The English Renaissance, Orientalism, and the Idea of Asia

The English Renaissance, Orientalism, and the Idea of Asia is an important collection of essays that examine the complex significations of “Asia” in the literary and cultural production of early modern England.  It posits that the interest in merchant and overseas ventures and fascination with foreign lands influenced the canonical literary works of the period and spurred Orientalism.  While such major literary figures as Marlowe, Shakespeare, Bacon, Spenser, and Milton are considered for their contribution to the writing of early modern English Orientalism, theoretical questions pertaining to the significance of postcolonial criticism and cultural studies are also addressed in this groundbreaking volume.