Beyond Orientalism
Editors: Eli Franco · Karin Preisendanz
Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass Publishers
Edition & Year: First Edition, 2007
Binding: Hardcover
Pages: 675
Size: 6 in × 9 in
Beyond Orientalism, edited by Eli Franco and Karin Preisendanz, is a substantial and intellectually rigorous collection of essays that re-examines the study of Indian philosophy and culture from fresh and critical perspectives. Published in 2007 by Motilal Banarsidass Publishers, this 675-page hardcover first edition stands as an important contribution to the fields of Indology, philosophy, and cultural studies.
The volume challenges traditional frameworks associated with “Orientalism,” a concept famously critiqued by Edward Said, which refers to the Western tendency to interpret Eastern cultures through reductive or biased lenses. Moving beyond such perspectives, this book seeks to present a more nuanced and academically grounded understanding of Indian intellectual traditions.
Comprising contributions from leading scholars, the book covers a wide range of topics, including Buddhist philosophy, Sanskrit literature, epistemology, linguistics, and religious thought. It explores how Indian traditions developed independently as well as through interaction with other cultures, emphasizing the complexity, originality, and depth of these intellectual systems.
A key strength of the volume is its interdisciplinary approach, combining philosophy, philology, history, and religious studies. The essays engage with both classical texts and modern scholarship, offering readers a layered understanding of how knowledge about India has been constructed and interpreted over time.
The book is particularly valuable for its focus on methodology and interpretation, encouraging readers to rethink how cultural and philosophical traditions are studied. It highlights the importance of approaching non-Western traditions on their own terms, rather than through imposed frameworks.
Despite its scholarly depth, the work remains accessible to dedicated readers with an interest in philosophy and cultural studies. It is especially suited for academics, postgraduate students, and serious readers engaged in the study of Indian thought and comparative philosophy.
The 6 × 9 inch hardcover format makes it ideal for academic use and long-term reference, while its substantial length reflects the depth and breadth of its content.
Beyond Orientalism is an essential resource for anyone seeking a deeper, more critical understanding of Indian intellectual traditions and their place within global scholarship.
- Editors: Eli Franco & Karin Preisendanz – scholars in Indology and philosophy
- Publisher: Motilal Banarsidass, First Edition (2007)
- Format: Hardcover, 675 pages
- Size: 6 × 9 inches – standard academic format
- Subject: Indian philosophy, religion, and cultural studies
- Themes: Post-Orientalist perspectives, interpretation, intellectual history
- Content: Essays by leading scholars across disciplines
- Fields Covered: Buddhism, Sanskrit studies, epistemology, linguistics
- Academic Value: Advanced research-level work
- Collector Appeal: Important scholarly reference in Indology
🔹 Collector’s Note
This 2007 first-edition hardcover of Beyond Orientalism is a significant academic volume that challenges traditional approaches to the study of Indian culture and philosophy. Its depth, scholarly importance, and interdisciplinary scope make it a valuable addition for collectors of philosophy, Indology, and advanced academic works.
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