More than three decades after its first publication Edward Said's groundbreaking critique of
the West's historical cultural and political perceptions of the East has become a modern
classic. In this wide-ranging intellectually vigorous study Said traces the origins of
"orientalism" to the centuries-long period during which Europe dominated the Middle and Near
East and from its position of power defined "the orient" simply as "other than" the occident.
This entrenched view continues to dominate western ideas and because it does not allow the
East to represent itself prevents true understanding. Essential and still eye-opening
Orientalism remains one of the most important books written about our divided world.
