Product Description

Designed for those studying postcolonialism for the first time, this is an introduction to the major areas of concern. It provides an overview of the emergence of postcolonialism as a discipline and examines many of its important critical writings. In particular, John McLeod demonstrates in practice how many of the ideas and concepts in the subject can be usefully applied when reading texts, as well as inviting students to develop their own views of postcolonialism.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #67483 in Books
• Published on: 2000-05-04
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 228 pages

From the Author
A place to start
'Beginning Postcolonialism' is designed to help new readers in the field of postcolonial literature and theory make initial progress, although more seasoned readers will also, I hope, find the book of interest. It offers a brief historical account of the emergence of the field, and focuses on some important issues which concern postcolonialism: colonial discourses, nationalism and its critique, re-reading/re-writing the texts of Empire, postcolonialism and feminism, diaspora identities. It concludes with a survey of some of the problematic aspects of theorising postcolonialism, and offers a select but extensive bibliography for further reference. Several of the key thinkers in the field -- Fanon, Senghor, Bhabha, Said, Spivak, Mohanty, Gilroy -- are examined, and each chapter concludes by looking at how we might read literary texts in the light of postcolonial theory (my examples here include Kipling, Ngugi, Achebe, Rhys and Sally Morgan). Throughout the book I have inserted 'Stop and Think' sections which invite readers to make up their own minds concerning the issues we raise. If you have read the book, I would be really interested to learn of your comments (please feel free to e-mail me). Hopefully, 'Beginning Postcolonialism' will be a great place to start your reading in the area, as well as a good reference tool for future use.

Customer Reviews

Beginning Postcolonialism
Essential reading for any course on postcolonial studies. Written in a style that makes a complex subject accessible to all levels of reading. Helpful references to further study. Also a book which can be read by non-students who are interested in this subject.

Good introduction
A good introduction to postcolonialism, though perhaps more for basiclevel students. I found it useful as a handbook to teach highschool levelstudents. I particularly liked the use of literary texts to illustratepostcolonial perceptions. I don't think there is a better book for thatlevel of introduction, but if you want more in-depth details and debates,you need to go to other books. This is not a drawback though, for thisbook claims to be nothing but a basic introduction.

Essential reading for any student beginning this subject.
A comprehensive yet concise overview of this subject, introducing any A level or first year degree student, in an interesting and accesible way, to the seminal authors and critical works necessary to an understanding of the subject.