ABSTRACT
Edward Said – the late University Professor of English and Comparative Literature at Columbia University, the music critic for the Nation, the man both widely regarded (by both supporters and critics) as one of the founding figures of the postcolonial tradition in the American academy, the outspoken supporter of the Palestinian cause in the West – was one of the best-known public intellectuals of the twentieth century. In a prolific career spanning nearly four decades, Said authored more than 20 books and 125 articles and inspired innumerable others. His influence – both during and after his lifetime – over scholarship in fields ranging from cultural studies and English literature to anthropology and geography has itself been the subject of scholarly scrutiny. The goal of this essay is to draw attention to a few of the key texts and ideas associated with Said’s work in light of their importance for critical international relations scholarship.
