The Postcolonial Middle Ages - (New Middle Ages) by J Cohen (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

An increased awareness of the importance of minority and subjugated voices to the histories and narratives which have previously excluded them has led to a wide-spread interest in the effects of colonization and displacement. This collection of essays is the first to apply post-colonial theory to the Middle Ages, and to critique that theory through the excavation of a distant past. The essays examine the establishment of colony, empire, and nationalism in order to expose the mechanisms of oppression through which 'aboriginal' 'native' or simply pre-existent cultures are displaced, eradicated, or transformed.

Review Quotes

'...an impressive accomplishment, exemplifying the many possible opportunities and potential difficulties medievalists face in engaging and contributing to a significant strand of cultural studies.' - Speculum

'The volume is a very strong compilation, and indeed a useful guide to the richness of post-colonial enquiry...The real strength of this book resides in the range and diversity of the topics it examines and the quality of many of the contributions.' - Cynthia J. Neville, Canadian Journal of History

About the Author

JEFFREY JEROME COHEN is Associate Professor of English and Human Sciences at George Washington University. He is the author of Of Giants: Sex, Monsters and the Middle Ages and the editor of Monster Theory and Becoming Male in the Middle Ages.