Of Fear and Strangers: A History of Xenophobia

George Makari's "The New Xenophobia" is a 2022 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award winner that explores the history of xenophobia, from its origins to the present day, and how it relates to Western debates over nationalism, globalization, race, and immigration.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 368 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Yale University Press

Winner of the 2022 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Nonfiction), this captivating book has garnered widespread acclaim. Described as "not pulling its punches" by The Independent and "enthralling" by the New York Times, it delves into the complex and often divisive issue of racial and ethnic animosity. The Wall Street Journal praises it as an "illuminating work revealing the long history of xenophobia and its profound implications for our divided world."

Over the past few years, the resurgence of xenophobia has been impossible to ignore. The European migrant crisis and immigration from Central America to the United States have put Western advocates of globalization on the defensive, leading to the emergence of a "New Xenophobia." In this insightful study, George Makari traces the history of xenophobia from its origins to the present day. Often perceived as an ancient word for a timeless problem, "xenophobia" was coined only a century ago, during heated and formative Western debates over nationalism, globalization, race, and immigration.

Writers and thinkers such as Richard Wright, Sigmund Freud, Jean-Paul Sartre, and Simone de Beauvoir have long grappled with this most dangerous of phobias. Makari draws on their work to demonstrate how we can better understand the problem that is so crucial to our troubled times.

This captivating book offers a comprehensive exploration of xenophobia, shedding light on its historical roots, cultural manifestations, and societal consequences. It challenges readers to confront their own biases and prejudices and encourages empathy and understanding across different communities. By examining the long history of xenophobia, Makari provides valuable insights into the challenges we face today and offers potential solutions for a more inclusive and harmonious world.

Winner of the 2022 Anisfield-Wolf Book Award (Nonfiction), this book has firmly established itself as a must-read for anyone interested in exploring the complexities of race, ethnicity, and immigration. Its powerful storytelling and insightful analysis make it an invaluable contribution to the ongoing dialogue about these critical issues.

Weight: 322g
Dimension: 129 x 198 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300270389