Description
Book SynopsisThe "Other" - source of fear and fascination; emblem of difference demonised and romanticised. Theories of alterity and cultural diversity abound in the contemporary academic landscape. This title encompasses Segalen's attempts to define "true Exoticism."
Trade Review“At a time when the moral battles for the ‘other’ have been waged, when the constructedness of identities has been demonstrated in extenso, it comes as a refreshing surprise to see Segalen struggle with the terminology of otherness and difference in the context of the term exoticism. His ruminations represent a fascinating and important intervention in present theoretical debates. For too long Segalen has been a secret among the initiate few; the time for broadcasting his ideas more widely is overdue.”—Andreas Michel, Indiana University
“It is exciting to see Segalen’s most comprehensive and influential theoretical text translated into English, particularly given its growing impact on colonial/postcolonial studies.”—Chris Bongie, College of William and Mary
“
Essays on Exoticism is a most peculiar document. It was never finished, and never meant to be. . . . It is almost always interesting, because Segalen is interesting, and because he was trying to come to grips with something that still preoccupies many of us more than ever." -- Ian Buruma * New York Review of Books *
Table of ContentsForeword: The Exotics of Nowhere
Acknowledgments
Introduction
Chronology: Victor Segalen (1878–1919)
Essay on Exoticism Notes
Other Works by Victor Segalen Available in English
Selected Critical Works on Victor Segalen in English
Index
