Postcolonial Theory: A Critical Introduction / Edition 1

by Leela Gandhi

Overview

This is the first book of its kind to clearly map out the field of postcolonialism in its own terms. The book provides an overview of postcolonialism's pervasiveness in the academy, and lucidly illustrates the debates about the often conflicting consensus regarding the proper content, scope and relevance of its concerns. The book also elaborates on the themes and issues that have engaged the attention of postcolonial critics. From its influence in Marxism and poststructuralism, from the work of Edward Said to Salman Rushdie, from feminist imperialism to globalization and hybridity, Gandhi demonstrates the ethical concern that postcolonial theory can offer: how to take into account diversity without erasing distinct diasporas of difference.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780231112734
Publisher:	Columbia University Press
Publication date:	05/12/1998
Edition description:	Older Edition
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)
Age Range:	18 Years

About the Author

Leela Gandhi lectures in the school of English at La Trobe University, Melbourne. She researches the cultural history of the Indo-British colonial encounter, and has published extensively in this area. She is the editor of Shakespeare: New Orientations and The Looking Glass and Other Poems, and coeditor of the journalPostcolonial Studies.

Table of Contents

Preface
Introduction: After Colonialism
Thinking Otherwise: A Brief Intellectual History
Postcolonialism and the New Humanities
Edward Said and His Critics
Postcolonialism and Feminism
Imagining Community: The Question of Nationalism
One World: The Vision of Postnationalism
Postcolonial Literatures
Conclusion: The Limits of Postcolonial Theory

Editorial Reviews

This book offers far more than an up-to-date audit of postcolonial theory and theorists. It is a critical engagement with the constitutive figures and forms of postcolonial theory. It is at times fearless, at times sentimental, at times witty, and always incisive as it outlines what has gone before in postcolonial theory, as well as pointing to the scope of that 'counter-narrative' which lies beyond.

Australian Journal of Political Science - Jane M. Jacobs

Gandhi goes a long way to successfully situate postcolonialism with a theoretical landscape and explain its engagement with humanism, Marxism, poststructuralism and other philosophical traditions. It is an enlightening and engaging book that will prove relevant to any number of intellectual inquiries into postcolonial studies, cultural politics and/or the so-called 'humanities'. It can serve as a primer for the student of postcolonial studies, and for hte more well-read student or scholar it will complete the picture, putting postcolonial theory into an epistemological context. Postcolonial Theory merits earnest commendation and will stand out as an important contribution to the field.

Thesis Eleven - Elise E. Foxworth