A 'beginning,' especially as embodied in much modern thought, is its own method, Edward Said argues in this classic treatise on the role of the intellectual and the goal of criticism. Distinguishing between 'origin', which is divine, mythical, and privileged, and 'beginning,' which is secular and humanly produced, Said traces the ramifications and diverse understandings of the concept of beginning through history. A beginning is a first step in the intentional production of meaning and the production of difference from preexisting traditions. It authorizes subsequent texts - it both enables them and limits what is acceptable. Drawing on the insights of Vico, Valery, Nietzsche, Saussure, Levi-Strauss, Husserl, and Foucault, Said recognizes the novel as the major attempt in Western literary culture to give beginnings an authorizing function in experience, art, and knowledge.Scholarship should see itself as a beginning - as a uniting of theory and practice. Said's insistence on a criticism that is humane and socially responsible is what makes "Beginnings" a book about much more than writing: it is about imagination and action as well as the constraints on freedom and invention that come from human intention and the method of its fulfillment. 414pp. N.B. Previous owners inscription to ffep.
Columbia University Press, 1985, Paperback, Book Condition: Very Good, Jacket Condition: No d/j as Published. Reprint. . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

ISBN: 023105937X

Inventory #24689

Price: £ 12.50 GBP ($ 16.13 approx. - € 13.81 approx.)

A collection of the author's articles written in English and published from 1977 to 1993. Part I contains mainly collected papers on researches regarding "Medieval English Courtly Words". Part II features an investigation on Later Middle English Syntax, a descriptive study of the prepositions in Thomas Malory's 'Works'. Brief message signed by author on f.f.e.p. 304pp. Slight bump at head of cover spine.
Kokubunsha, 1997, Cloth, Book Condition: Very Good, Jacket Condition: Very Good. Signed First Edition. . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

ISBN: 4772004483

Inventory #4126

Price: £ 10.00 GBP ($ 12.90 approx. - € 11.05 approx.)

Examines Shaw's writings on politics and economics, briefly describes his life, and analyzes his major plays. 204pp.
Limelight Editions, 1985, Paperback, Book Condition: Fine, Jacket Condition: No d/j as Published. First Edition with This Publisher. . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

ISBN: 0879100370

Inventory #23908

Price: £ 6.00 GBP ($ 7.74 approx. - € 6.63 approx.)

This work provides a critique of the major theoretical statements on "colonial discourse" and "post-colonialism", aiming to dismantle many of the commonplaces and conceits that dominate contemporary cultural theory. 358pp. N.B. Previous owners inscription to ffep.
Verso, 1994, Paperback, Book Condition: Very Good, Jacket Condition: No d/j as Published. First Paperback Edition. . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

ISBN: 0860916774

Inventory #24719

Price: £ 9.50 GBP ($ 12.26 approx. - € 10.50 approx.)

411pp.
Barnes & Noble Publishers, 1972, Cloth, Book Condition: Fine, Jacket Condition: Fine. First Edition. . 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall.

ISBN: 038904508X

Inventory #21459

Price: £ 6.50 GBP ($ 8.39 approx. - € 7.18 approx.)