ORIENTALISM

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by Edward Said (1978)

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An examination of the orientalist fetish that can be found within the library, museum, and the role of the curator. The organisation and arrangement of information within the library, and the same regarding the artefact within the museum, as a means to communicate the interloper’s view of the “lesser” culture. The curation of oriental cultural artefacts that create or enhance a narrative about the oriental culture which largely affirms the interloper’s own society as advanced and superior. The practice of writing about a culture after reading the works of others, rather than, seeing and experiencing that same culture in person. A thorough historical analysis of othering within the culture industry. And, a reminder that what is on display in the museum, amongst other things, always reflects the mind of the curator. Non-fiction. 432 pages.

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DETAILS:

Title: Orientalism

Year: 1978

Author: Edward Said

Pages: 432

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Book review by Keith Salter