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For the past century or more, students of Middle East studies in the U. S., Europe, and the Arab World have upheld an East-West differentiation rooted in Orientalism. In the post World-War II years modernization arose to compete with the more classical Orientalism and political economy emerged as a variant of this modernization. It appeared that the dichotomy between East and West might be eliminated. The consequences of this failed endeavor—the end of the developmental revolution marked a resurgence of Orientalism—were nothing less than staggering, not only on the level of thought but of policy. The more recent rise of post-colonial discourse has so far not altered the situation.

This series suggests it is time for a new beginning. The dominant tradition has left the region culturally disenfranchised. Authors are encouraged to submit scholarly volumes, books with great popular appeal, translations, texts, and reprints of classic works.








Cover for the book: Unveiling the Harem

Unveiling the HaremElite Women and the Paradox of Seclusion in Eighteenth-Century Cairo