Abstract:
Edward Said, the Palestinian-American intellectual, is arguably the most
exciting, if not the most distinguished, cultural and literary critic now writ-
ing in North America. In an age when literary critics seem preoccupied with
the petty concerns of post-modernism, Said engages the large questions of
comparative historical analyses of literature and cultural politics. His focus
is
unusually broad and complex; his analysis is multi-layered and richly-tex-
tured; and when combined with the lucidity of his writing and his immense
erudition and political compassion, he compels our attention and respect.
Many of the same impressive qualities are evident in his latest book, Culture
and Imperialism. Nevertheless, this book has some fundamental flaws
which many of Said's admirers and critics have ignored.