WHAT THE REST THINK OF THE WEST by Laura Nader (Editor) ( 9780520285774 )

Item Details

Title:

WHAT THE REST THINK OF THE WEST
SINCE 600 AD

By:

Format:

Hardback

List price:	£70.95
We currently do not stock this item, please contact the publisher directly for further information.

ISBN 10:

0520285778

ISBN 13:

9780520285774

Publisher:

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA PRESS

Pub. date:

8 September, 2015

Pages:

472

Description:

Provides a historical look through the eyes of outsiders as they survey and scrutinize the politics, science, technology, religion, family practices, and gender roles of civilizations not their own. This book emphasizes the broader figurative meaning of looking west in the scope of history.

Synopsis:

Over the past few centuries, as Western civilization has enjoyed an expansive and flexible geographic domain, Westerners have observed other cultures with little interest in a return gaze. In turn, these other civilizations have been similarly disinclined when they have held sway. Clearly, though, an external frame of reference outstrips introspection we cannot see ourselves as others see us. Unprecedented in its scope, What the Rest Think of the West provides a rich historical look through the eyes of outsiders as they survey and scrutinize the politics, science, technology, religion, family practices, and gender roles of civilizations not their own. The book emphasizes the broader figurative meaning of looking west in the scope of history. Focusing on four civilizations Islamic, Japanese, Chinese, and South Asian Nader has collected observations made over centuries by scholars, diplomats, missionaries, travelers, merchants, and students reflecting upon their own Wests."These writings derive from a range of purposes and perspectives, such as the seventh-century Chinese Buddhist who goes west to India, the missionary from Baghdad who travels up the Volga in the tenth century and meets the Vikings, and the Egyptian imam who in 1826 is sent to Paris to study the French. The accounts variously express critique, adoration, admiration, and fear, and are sometimes humorous, occasionally disturbing, at times controversial, and always enlightening. With informative introductions to each of the selections, Laura Nader initiates conversations about the power of representational practices.

Illustrations:

2 b/w, 3 maps

Publication:

Imprint:

University of California Press

Returns:

Returnable

Some other items by this author:

ANALYSE, ENTSTEHUNGSGESCHICHTE UND INTERPRETATIONSANSATZE ZU CLAUDE MONETS LE DEJEUNER SUR LHERBE (PB)

CONTRARIAN ANTHROPOLOGY (HB)

CONTRARIAN ANTHROPOLOGY (PB)

CULTURE AND DIGNITY