Crossing Cultures Essays in the Displacement of Western Civilization

Through re-examination of colonial and post-colonial encounters, this collection of essays makes a strategic intervention into the current debate over the study of "Western Civilization". Together they question whether, at least since Columbus, "the West" has existed independent of its relations with those deemed Other. Indeed, each essay contributes to the displacement of "Western Civilization", undermining its canonical boundaries by demonstrating their shifting location and permeability. The authors provide detailed case studies of cultural crossings--the mutual conditioning that takes place in relations of power and domination. Their essays show how cultural differences shaped historical events and how, in turn, new differences emerged from colonial encounters--how "Europeans" and "non-Europeans" were forged in colonial relations, and continue to be formed in post-colonial relations. The product of a rich exchange between anthropology, history and literary studies, Crossing Cultures provides a foundation for a reinvigorated study of power and representation.Segal, Daniel is the author of 'Crossing Cultures Essays in the Displacement of Western Civilization' with ISBN 9780816512775 and ISBN 0816512779.