The Orientalist: Solving the Mystery of a Strange and Dangerous Life
Reiss persistently peeled away layers of fact and fiction to recount a remarkable life. He was also lucky: his subject’s elusiveness made ferreting out truth difficult, but Reiss discovered six of Nussimbaum’s notebooks in the possession of his last editor. Critics agree thatThe Orientalistfascinates from both a biographical and cultural perspective-it’s rich in exotic settings and characters, from an Austrian baroness to a former Hollywood starlet. Despite its charm, the book has some faults. Reiss seems to have included every piece of information he encountered, from historical anecdotes to ornate set pieces. Some factual errors, the book’s brisk pace, and the lack of maps may confuse readers. Still,The Orientalistis excellent look into the reinvention of self during one of history’s most turbulent times.Copyright © 2004 Phillips & Nelson Media, Inc.--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.