Europe and the East: Historical Ideas of Eastern and Southeast Europe, 1789-1989

This volume explores competing ideas, images, and stereotypes of a European 'East, examining its role in defining European and national self-and-other conceptions since the eighteenth century. It considers the shifting, imaginary border between the more distant and exotic 'Orient and the more immediate 'East, analyzing how historical circumstances, political preferences, cultural assumptions, and geography have shaped its location, definition, and character.

Format: Hardback
Length: 306 pages
Publication date: 05 May 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This comprehensive volume delves into the diverse range of competing ideas, images, and stereotypes associated with the European 'East, examining its profound impact on shaping European and national self-perceptions and perceptions of others since the eighteenth century. Through a series of original case studies, this collection explores the intricate interplay between discourses about the distant, exotic, or colonial 'Orient and the more immediate 'East. The book examines this shifting, imaginary border from various perspectives, highlighting how the location, definition, and character of the 'East, often linked with socio-economic backwardness and other unfavorable attributes, have been shaped by a complex interplay of historical circumstances, political preferences, cultural assumptions, and geographical factors. Spanning two centuries, this study offers a detailed analysis of how changing ideals and persistent clichéd attitudes have shaped the conversation about and interpretations of Eastern Europe.

Europe and the East is a must-read for anyone with an interest in the images and ideas of Europe, European identity, and conceptions of the 'East in intellectual and cultural history. It provides a rich and nuanced exploration of the complex and multifaceted relationship between Europe and its Eastern neighbors, shedding light on the enduring legacies of historical, political, and cultural interactions. By examining the ways in which these interactions have shaped perceptions and ideologies, the book offers valuable insights into the ongoing dynamics of European identity and the broader global context in which it operates.

In conclusion, Europe and the East is a groundbreaking work that offers a comprehensive and insightful examination of the competing ideas, images, and stereotypes associated with the European 'East. Through a series of original case studies, it explores the intricate interplay between discourses about the distant and the immediate 'East, highlighting how the location, definition, and character of the 'East have been shaped by a complex web of historical, political, and cultural factors. This book is essential reading for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of European identity, the broader global context in which it operates, and the enduring legacies of historical interactions between Europe and its Eastern neighbors.

Weight: 748g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367636586