Medievalism and Orientalism [Paperback]

This unique study traces fundamental parallels between medieval European and Middle Eastern cultures. By examining sources in cultural history, literature, and architecture, this book reveals mutual influences evident in the development of the current conception of the Middle Ages.Introduction: Native Studies The Middle Ages as Genre: Theories of Romance and Origins The Middle Ages as Genealogy: The Occult History of Britain The Middle Ages as Spectacle: Medievalism and Orientalism in the World's Fairs The Middle Ages as Method: History and Carnival

Medievalism and Orientalism offers a glimpse into the history and role of the post-renaissance creation of the Middle Ages in the formulation of England's idea of itself. Ganim looks beyond academic medievalism into the fields of anthropology, popular culture, international expositions, gothic architecture, antiquarianism, gender studies, politics, religion, language, and race in this fascinating study of East-West relations that has never been more relevant or significant than at present. - R. Howard Bloch, Augustus R. Street Professor of French, Yale University

In an academic career that practically defines the word 'distinguished,' John Ganim has repeatedly shown us new ways of approaching the Middle Ages and the 'medieval.' He continues this important work in his newest book, where he analyzes 'this hybrid identity, the twinned association of medievalism and Orientalism.' He invites and helps us to see how vexed, and vexatious, the categories of our 'historicisms' are as we try to identify the objects of our study, which change even as we ourselves change, not only over time but also through space, especially the unstable and ever troubled space 'between' East and West. - R. Allen Shoaf, Senior Editor, Exemplaria and Alumni Professor of English, University of Florida

In these remarkable essays, John Ganim performs a virtuoso act of untangling the intricate web of cultulC,