Secondhand China Volume 39: Spain, the East, and the Politics of Translation

Carles Prado-Fonts' transcultural study explores Spanish literature's representation of China through English- and French-language sources, highlighting the illusion of a homogeneous West. He argues that Orientalism became a tool of hegemony within the West, as Spanish writers used representations of China to connect to Europe, develop a national voice, and promote political and cultural modernity. Prado-Fonts' research reveals an eclectic archive of cultural artifacts from popular literature, journalism, and early cinema, showcasing how China was perceived across the West between 1880 and 1930.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 272 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2022
Publisher: Northwestern University Press

This transcultural study delves into the intricate ways in which Spanish literature envisioned China, drawing upon English- and French-language sources. Carles Prado-Fonts explores the fascinating interplay between reliance on and obfuscation of translation in these cross-cultural representations, ultimately creating the illusion of a cohesive and homogeneous West. He argues that Orientalism emerged as a powerful tool of hegemony, not only bridging the gap between "the West and the rest" but also within the West itself, where Spanish writers employed representations of China to forge connections with Europe, cultivate a national voice, and propagate ideas of political and cultural modernity.

Prado-Fonts uncovers an eclectic and captivating archive, encompassing a wide range of cultural artifacts from popular literature, journalism, and early cinema. Through his meticulous analysis, he offers a comprehensive account of how China was perceived across the West during the period between 1880 and 1930. Enrique Gaspar, Luis de Oteyza, Vicente Blasco Ibáñez, and lesser-known authors writing in Spanish and Catalan engage in a lively dialogue with renowned figures such as Leo Tolstoy, John Dewey, W. Somerset Maugham, Bertrand Russell, Pearl Buck, and André Malraux. They also interact with stereotypical characters from popular culture, including Fu Manchu and Charlie Chan.

Throughout his study, Prado-Fonts exposes translation as a technology of cultural hegemony, highlighting its role in shaping perceptions and representations. He explores how China became an alluring object for representation, captivating the imaginations of Spanish writers and artists alike. Secondhand China emerges as a timely and essential contribution to our understanding of how we construct and consume knowledge about the world. It is a must-read for scholars and students engaged in the fields of Orientalism, postcolonial studies, translation studies, comparative literature, and cultural studies.

Weight: 402g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780810144767