Orientalism

This is an absolute must in any colonial and postcolonial literature student's library, as well as anyone who's remotely interested in cultural, psychological and literary studies. It's an amazing read and contains some very controversial points which have become the springboard for a whole host of literary debates. Said's words have inspired an entire generation of writers and critics who followed, critiqued and wrote with and against this work in particular. As with any other critical work, there is no doubt that there will be many who disagree and agree with it, and this is no exception. It is, by no means, an absolute authority on its subject but it has helped to shape and define much of what we read, how we read, what we see and perceive and how we see and perceive. I cannot recommend this book enough, the rest - I believe - speaks for itself.

In essence, Orientalism reveals that Western representations of the East are not innocent scholarship, but a form of cultural domination that has played a crucial role in sustaining imperial hierarchies. The book challenges us to see beyond these constructed images and to reconsider how power shapes what we know.

This book has altered, for the better I think, how I view other people and importantly other cultures. If you are serious about understanding then this is a book for you. We all tend to judge, I did but not know, other people, other cultures according to our own beliefs and ideas, our own perspective. This book has taught me to review my thinking: just because we do something one way it does not mean others who do it differently are wrong. This book for me is the top of the hit parade concerning my education. It's a difficult read, well not actually difficult, but its certainly not a time filler. It's a serious book to be read consciously, and carefully considered. You must read it.

Great book. Makes you questions many things.

Purchased as a gift for my son who is studying anthropology. Reading the blurb & other in depth positive reviews , I decided he would like this. He is looking forward to reading it all but so far so good. Arrived in mint condition.

This book is a concise beautifully written account of both the origins and the deficiencies in the field of 'Orientalism'. Said sites numerous sources and includes a generous amount of exerts to back up every point he makes which could make for some very interesting future reads if your that way inclined. I really love this book and the price was also great. Edward W.Said has a factual and at times humorously satirical execution which made the book extremely fun to read. I found myself chuckling at times as Said can be very deliberately funny and always is with elegance and poise. Great book for anyone interested in this topic or just matters of history and the factors which have shaped society. This was delivered speedily and in perfect condition. :)

I don't think that there is a lot to add to the reviews which praise this book. How 'The West' sees others, especially Islam and Muslims, is so central to current world events that any work which addresses the issue is of interest and any that is as incisive as this one is vital. That 'Orientalism' has withstood 3 decades of counter-attack from from it's detractors is testament to it's strength as a description and an analysis. The book can be tough reading at times and Said can be prone to using twenty words when one will do. A more succinct and readable account of the same thesis is found in Said's 'Covering Islam'. One other minor criticism, Said got Marx wrong. But never mind. Still, essential for anyone who wants to engage with the world today.

I initially thought this book would be difficult to read, but it isn’t. It’s actually quite engaging, though it doesn’t offer much insight into the Palestinian situation—this isn’t a book dedicated to that issue. That said, it does feel rather repetitive and could probably have been condensed to a third of its length. I suspect it’s aimed at a more academic audience, perhaps lecturers, since it dwells at length on subtle dialectical problems that go beyond the scope of a general reader.

Per un graditissimo regalo

Tres bon livre d Edward said le result at de sa these Sur l orientalisme. Je le recommande vivement surtout en anglais.

I will highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Oriental Studies

Anspruchsvoll, daher Ruhe und Zeit zum Lesen erforderlich.