The Orientalism debate, inspired by the work of Edward Said, has been a major source of cross-disciplinary controversy in recent years. John MacKenzie offers a comprehensive re-evaluation of this vast literature of Orientalism and brings to the subject highly original historical perspectives. The study provides the first major discussion of Orientalism by a historian of imperialism. Setting the analysis within the context of conflicting scholarly interpretations, John MacKenzie then carries the discussion into wholly new areas, testing the notion that the western arts received genuine inspiration from the East by examining the visual arts, architecture, design, music and theatre. John MacKenzie concludes that western approaches to the Orient have been much more ambiguous and genuinely interactive then Said allowed. The artistic construction of the East by the West has invariably been achieved through a greater spirit of respect and in search of a truly syncretic culture. The Orient has indeed proved an inspiration to the European arts, even when caught in the web of imperial power relations.

Orientalism: History, Theory and the Arts

John M. MacKenzie

Humor & Entertainment

Manchester University Press

By the time Queen Victoria died in 1901, transport, communications, the global economy, and many aspects of social life were recognisably similar to those of our own day. These revolutionary developments are thoroughly explored in the book's three major sections: society, technology and the world. The contributors, all experts in their fields, consider the ideas, products, inventions and social changes wrought by the Victorians, while chapters on the Far East, India, Africa and Australasia explore their interest in the wider world. Throughout the book an array of wonderful contemporary photographs, posters, paintings, sculpture, domestic ephemera, costume, medical equipment and many other images complement the lively and informative text.

The Victorian Vision: Inventing the New Britain

V&A Publications

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by John M. MacKenzie. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Books by John M. MacKenzie

See the best price to sell, buy, or rent books by John M. MacKenzie. BookScouter helps to compare book prices from 25+ online bookstores and 30+ buyback vendors with a single search.

Orientalism: History, Theory and the Arts

The Victorian Vision: Inventing the New Britain