This volume is a lucid, critical introduction to the life and works of Edward Said. It engages with foundational concepts of the Saidian oeuvre such Orientalism, contrapuntal reading, humanism and worldliness, and provides critical outlines of his major works including Orientalism, The World, the Text and the Critic and Culture and Imperialism. The volume also explores Said?s deeply held political beliefs with regard to Palestine and neo-imperialism, and illustrates how Said?s politics and theoretical moves are inextricably linked ? a crucial perspective that has informed and given rise to important areas of study such as postcolonialism.