Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts (Routledge Key Guides) [Paperback]

Bill Ashcroft (Author), Gareth Griffiths (Author), Helen Tiffin (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0415243602 | ISBN-13: 978-0415243605 | Publication Date: May 29, 2001 | Edition: 2

This volume provides an essential key to understanding the issues which characterize post-colonialism, explaining what it is, where it is encountered and why it is crucial in forging new cultural identities. As a subject, post-colonial studies stands at the intersection of debates about race, colonialism, gender, politics and language. In the language of post-colonial studies, some words are new, others are familiar words charged with new significance. Among over 100 entries, this book includes definitions of: diaspora Fanonism hybridity imperialism Manicheanism mimicry miscegenation negritude orientalism settler-colony subaltern trans-culturation There are suggestions for further reading at the end of each entry and a comprehensive glossary with extensive cross-referencing. The bibliography of essential writings in post-colonial studies is in an easy-to-use A-Z format.

Editorial Reviews

Review

The shifting nature of this field and the evolving or changing meaning of its terminology and concepts make this dictionary a welcome addition. It will pave a smoother research path for student and scholars pursuing the issues that characterize postcolonial theory.
– Choice, February 2002

About the Author

Bill Ashcroft is Senior Lecturer in the Department of English, University of New South Wales. Gareth Griffiths is Professor of English at University of Western Australia. Helen Tiffin is Professor of English at the University of Queensland. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

Product Details

• Paperback: 288 pages
• Publisher: Routledge; 2 edition (May 29, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0415243602
• ISBN-13: 978-0415243605
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #195,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent reference book on postcolonialist theory!, September 29, 2008

By 

lotsabooks "many_colors" (Austin, TX United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts (Routledge Key Guides) (Paperback)

This book literally got me through my MA Thesis. Not only does it have thorough introductions to complex theories (without being books unto themselves), but there is enough cross-referencing to make even the more advanced theories more understandable.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Post-colonial studies: the key concepts by Ashcroft et al., May 8, 2008

By 

Michele Bilinsky (NSW, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts (Routledge Key Guides) (Hardcover)

This second edition of Post-colonial Studies was updated in 2007 and is essential for anyone interested in Post-colonial or subaltern studies. The authors are synonymous with this field of study and have written extensively on this subject.


Post-colonial Studies' encylopedic format makes the contents easily accessible. Each entry is comprehensive but concise and includes a list of recent literature for further reading.

Recommended for tertiary students.

2 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars eh..., December 30, 2008

By 

John Roberts "John in Omaha" (Omaha, NE) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Post-Colonial Studies: The Key Concepts (Routledge Key Guides) (Paperback)

I doubt this book would have many sales if it wasn't required for college classes. That's why I bought it and found it less than interesting. Actually as I read it I found myself just thinking that it sounds argumentative just to be argumentative. It doesn't really provide any great insight and is really just an introduction book.
So if you're looking for an introduction to post colonial studies this is a great start, but if you're looking for something beyond the surface I'd look elsewhere.