Description
Beyond Orientalism reformulates our understanding of the early modern Mediterranean through the remarkable life and career of Moroccan polymath Ahmad Ibn Qasim al-Hajari (ca. 1570-1641). By showing Hajari's active engagement with some of the most prominent European Orientalists of his time, Oumelbanine Zhiri makes the case for the existence of an Arabic Republic of Letters that operated in parallel to its European counterpart.
A major corrective to the long-held view of Orientalism that accords agency only to Europeans, Beyond Orientalism emphasizes the active role played by Hajari and other "Orientals" inside and outside of Europe in some of the most significant intellectual movements of the age. Zhiri explores the multiple interactions between these two networks of intellectuals, decentering Europe to reveal how Hajari worked collaboratively to circulate knowledge among Europe, North Africa, and the Middle East.
About the Author
Oumelbanine Zhiri is Professor of French and Comparative Literature at the University of California, San Diego. She has published books and articles on Leo Africanus and Francois Rabelais and on the cultural history of the connection between Europe and North Africa in the early modern period.
Book Information
ISBN 9780520390454
Author Oumelbanine Nina Zhiri
Format Hardback
Page Count 322
Imprint University of California Press
Publisher University of California Press
Weight(grams) 590g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 152mm * 25mm