Title
Idols in the East: European Representations of Islam and the Orient, 11001450,Used
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Representations of Muslims have never been more common in the Western imagination than they are today. Building on Orientalist stereotypes constructed over centuries, the figure of the wily Arab has given rise, at the dawn of the twentyfirst century, to the 'Islamist' terrorist. In Idols in the East, Suzanne Conklin Akbari explores the premodern background of some of the Orientalist types still pervasive in presentday depictions of Muslimsthe irascible and irrational Arab, the religiously deviant Islamistand about how these stereotypes developed over time.Idols in the East contributes to the recent surge of interest in European encounters with Islam and the Orient in the premodern world. Focusing on the medieval period, Akbari examines a broad range of texts including encyclopedias, maps, medical and astronomical treatises, chansons de geste, romances, and allegories to paint an unusually diverse portrait of medieval culture. Among the texts she considers are The Book of John Mandeville, The Song of Roland, Parzival, and Dante's Divine Comedy. From them she reveals how medieval writers and readers understood and explained the differences they saw between themselves and the Muslim other. Looking forward, Akbari also comes to terms with how these medieval conceptions fit with modern discussions of Orientalism, thus providing an important theoretical link to postcolonial and postimperial scholarship on later periods. Far reaching in its implications and balanced in its judgments, Idols in the East will be of great interest to not only scholars and students of the Middle Ages but also anyone interested in the roots of Orientalism and its tangled relationship to modern racism and antiSemitism.
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- Q: What is the main theme of 'Idols in the East'? A: 'Idols in the East' explores European representations of Islam and the Orient from 1100 to 1450, focusing on how stereotypes of Muslims were constructed and have evolved over time.
- Q: Who is the author of 'Idols in the East'? A: The book is authored by Suzanne Conklin Akbari, a scholar known for her research on medieval culture and its interactions with Islam.
- Q: What types of texts does Suzanne Conklin Akbari analyze in the book? A: Akbari examines a variety of medieval texts including encyclopedias, maps, medical treatises, romances, and allegories to portray the cultural perceptions of Muslims.
- Q: What is the significance of the publication date, July 21, 2009? A: The publication date reflects the book's relevance in contemporary discussions about Orientalism and its historical roots, linking medieval perceptions with modern issues.
- Q: What is the condition of the book listed for sale? A: The book is categorized as 'Used Book in Good Condition' and is described as being in 'Very Good' condition.
- Q: How many pages does 'Idols in the East' have? A: 'Idols in the East' contains a total of 336 pages, offering a comprehensive examination of the subject matter.
- Q: What is the binding type of this book? A: The book is bound in hardcover, which typically offers better durability and protection for the pages compared to paperback editions.
- Q: Is 'Idols in the East' suitable for students? A: Yes, the book is suitable for scholars and students interested in medieval studies, Orientalism, and cultural interactions between Europe and Islam.
- Q: What edition of 'Idols in the East' is available? A: The available edition of the book is the first edition, which presents Akbari's initial insights into the topic.
- Q: Does the book contain illustrations or maps? A: While the book focuses on texts and cultural analysis, it may include some illustrations or maps relevant to the discussions within, but specifics are not detailed in the description.