Lexington Books Washington Irving and Islam: Critical Essays

Washington Irving and Islam contributes to understanding the relationship between the United States and the Islamic world, valuable not only for studies of Washington Irving, American Literature, or Islam, but also for thinking through the role Islam and the "Orient" have played in American literature and history, a critical field receiving ever-increasing attention. The global context of Irving's work ties these essays together as does an understanding that his writings challenge easy classification of the Muslim other, and, indeed, challenge easy classification of Irving's own responses to that other. Washington Irving bestrides opposing positions as well as distant worlds. Review This timely collection reclaims Washington Irving as a pivotal figure in American literature, casting light on some key works--Mahomet and his Successors, Tales of Alhambra, Conquest of Granada, Life of Mahomet--while putting Islam front and center as a formative presence. Compelling, eye-opening, and necessary.--Wai Chee Dimock, Yale University About the Author Zubeda Jalalzai is professor of English at Rhode Island College.