"The field of post-colonial studies would not be what it is today without the work of Edward Said. Similarly, he has played a vital role in bringing the plight of Palestine before a world audience." "This volume introduces the ideas at the heart of Said's work, both scholarly and journalistic. Together these ideas make a highly influential statement on the nature of identity formation in the post-colonial world and offer a new understanding of the links between text or critic and their material contexts ('the world'). The authors ask why this work has proved so important, examining its contexts, implications and impact." "With its accessible style, clear explanations of key terms, end-of-chapter summaries and fully annotated guide to further reading, this revised and fully updated edition of a book first published in 1999 is the ideal companion for readers new to Said."--Jacket.