Review by Choice Review
In this sweeping study of British, French, and German representations of Asia in the "long 18th century" (1680--1820), Osterhammel (Univ. of Konstanz, Germany) moves beyond Edward Said's reductionist theory of "Orientalism" to examine a nuanced, often contradictory discourse that was neither completely objective nor merely a set of self-referential illusions. Osterhammel sees the 18th century as a transitional period in which knowledge of Asia was more extensive and rooted in observed reality than the "fabulous" representations of the 17th century but not yet vitiated by notions of European superiority nor tied to projects of imperial conquest. On the contrary, European travelers, merchants, and gentlemen scholars encountered Asian civilizations on terms of relative equality, and Europe's own recent history and recurring religious and political conflicts led to an openness of mind, degree of self-criticism, and cosmopolitan tolerance unmatched before or since. Osterhammel also demonstrates how this delicate balance was upset by the collapse of the Persian and Mogul Empires, the decline of the Ottoman and Qing, and the rapid expansion of European power through commercial and industrial revolutions. Though erudite and massive in scope, this book is clearly written and accessible. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Advanced undergraduates and above; general readers. --David Allen Harvey, New College of Florida
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Choice Review
