Places of Mind: A Life of Edward Said

Timothy Brennans Places of Mind is the first comprehensive biography of Said, one of the most controversial and celebrated intellectuals of the 20th century. It charts the intertwined routes of Said's intellectual development, revealing him as a study in opposites: a cajoler and strategist, a New York intellectual with a foot in Beirut, an orchestra impresario in Weimar and Ramallah, a raconteur on national television, a Palestinian negotiator at the State Department, and an actor in films.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 464 pages
Publication date: 14 April 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

An intimate portrait of the renowned Palestinian-American intellectual and cultural critic, Said, emerges in Timothy Brennan's comprehensive biography, "Places of Mind." Delving into extensive archival sources and conducting hundreds of interviews, Brennan presents a captivating account of Said's life and work.

Said, a pioneer in post-colonial studies, emerges as a multifaceted figure, simultaneously advocating for his native Palestine, engaging in literary criticism, and exploring the profound impact of literature on politics and civic life. Through his intellectual development, Brennan reveals Said as a study in opposites, showcasing his abilities as a cajoler, strategist, New York intellectual, Palestinian negotiator, and actor.

The book traces the Arab influences on Said's thinking, alongside his mentorship under Lebanese statesmen, off-beat modernist auteurs, and New York literati. As Said evolved into a scholar, his influential writings reshaped the landscape of university life, challenging the dominance of techno-scientific knowledge and religious conflicts.

Said's radical humanism, rooted in his understanding of the complexities of the Arab world and his engagement with Western intellectual traditions, offered a counterbalance to the prevailing ideologies of the time. His clear and authoritative voice gave the humanities new authority in the era of Reaganism, a legacy that continues to resonate today.

"Places of Mind" is a rich and detailed account of Said's life, featuring testimonials from family, friends, students, and antagonists, as well as access to FBI files, unpublished writing, and Saids drafts of novels and personal letters. Brennan's meticulous research and storytelling bring Said's complex personality and intellectual journey to life, providing a deep understanding of one of the most influential thinkers of the 20th century.

Weight: 348g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 43 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781526614643