Edward Wadie Said
- Born:
- December 21, 1935, Jerusalem, Palestine
- Died:
- September 25, 2003, New York City, USA
- Nationality:
- Palestinian-American
- Profession(s):
- Literary Theorist, Cultural Critic, Political Activist, Professor
Early Life and Education
- Educated in Cairo and Jerusalem before attending Mount Hermon School in Massachusetts.
- B.A. from Princeton University (1957).
- M.A. (1960) and Ph.D. (1964) from Harvard University in English Literature.
Career and Major Achievements
- Joined Columbia University's faculty in 1963, becoming University Professor of English and Comparative Literature.
- Visiting Professor at numerous universities, including Harvard, Johns Hopkins, and Yale.
- Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.
- Served as president of the Modern Language Association.
- His work significantly influenced postcolonial studies and literary theory.
Notable Works
- Orientalism (1978) - A groundbreaking work analyzing the Western representation of the East.
- The Question of Palestine (1979)
- Culture and Imperialism (1993)
- Representations of the Intellectual (1994)
- Out of Place (1999) - A memoir.
- Humanism and Democratic Criticism (2004)
- Several collections of essays on music, literature, and politics.
Legacy and Impact
Edward Said's work had a profound and lasting impact on literary theory, cultural studies, and political discourse. He is best known for his critique of Orientalism and his advocacy for Palestinian rights. He challenged dominant Western narratives and promoted a more nuanced understanding of the relationship between power, culture, and knowledge. The publication of the 'edward said interviewed by salman rushdie biography', along with many of his other works, serves as a testament to his intellectual prowess and unwavering commitment to social justice.