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Orientalism

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Orientalism

Written by: Edward Said
Narrated by: Peter Ganim
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This landmark book, first published in 1978, remains one of the most influential books in the Social Sciences, particularly Ethnic Studies and Postcolonialism. Said is best known for describing and critiquing "Orientalism", which he perceived as a constellation of false assumptions underlying Western attitudes toward the East. In Orientalism Said claimed a "subtle and persistent Eurocentric prejudice against Arabo-Islamic peoples and their culture." He argued that a long tradition of false and romanticized images of Asia and the Middle East in Western culture had served as an implicit justification for Europe and the US' colonial and imperial ambitions. Just as fiercely, he denounced the practice of Arab elites who internalized the US and British orientalists' ideas of Arabic culture. Peter Ganim's narration gives the work an elegant and knowledgable voice.

©1978 Edward Said (P)2010 Audible, Inc. Asia Middle East Politics & Government World Iran Middle Ages Africa Socialism Imperialism Colonial Period Ancient History Social justice Capitalism Tradition Crusade
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The fact that this book was ever published is impressive, to begin with. Edward Said's rational critique dismantles orientalism and shakes it to the core; it breaks down its foundations and exposes the darkness at its heart. Moreover, Said from the start makes sure that the reader, or, in this case, the listener, understands that his approach has nothing to do with him (Said) being an Arab immigrant, if anything, his heritage and having studied half his school life in the west made him able to bridge the two worlds, east and west, and made him able to see both sides clearly. And as such, be able to critique such an entrenched philosophy as orientalism (only mirrored by the theory of evolution in some aspects) and tackle it head-on.
No spoilers here, but suffice it to say this book is an eye-opener.
The narator, Peter Ganim, is superb. His command of pronunciation in different languages (the book is peppered with texts in French, German, and a lot of Arabic words) is unbelievable as he seamlessly slips from one tongue to the next.
This book is highly recommended, and anyone interested in current affairs and history cannot afford to pass it by.

The Best Critique of Orientalism

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The concepts and ideas flow naturally . i loved it, a great masterpiece and provides an alternative view on some of the roots of the west east relation.

Masterpiece

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It is well known that Orientalism by Edward Said is a very important book in the humanities. Edward Said's book is extremely well researched and comprehensive review of the topic of orientalism. However, Said's writing is too cryptic. His sentences are too long and difficult to follow. The book is also very academic, in the sense that Said references all possible sources for his arguments and reviews them in detail; unfortunately, this makes his writing highly tangential and hard to follow. If you are interested in the topic of orientalism from an academic perspective, it is best to read - rather than listen - to the book. I do not recommend the book for the average reader, it is best for an academic student.

Writing too academic, difficult to listen to

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