Colonial Desire

Argues that contemporary theories on post-colonialism and ethnicity are disturbingly close to the colonial discourse of the nineteenth century. This book suggests that 'Englishness' has been less fixed and stable than uncertain, fissured with difference and a desire for otherness.

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As one of the most important books in post-colonial studies, this book argues that contemporary theories on post-colonialism and ethnicity are disturbingly close to the colonial discourse of the nineteenth century. Rather than marking ourselves off from patterns of thought which characterized Victorian racial theory, we show remarkable complicity with historical ways of viewing 'the other', both sexually and racially. 'Englishness', Young suggests, has been less fixed and stable than uncertain, fissured with difference and a desire for otherness. In this updated new edition, the author revisits the ideas set out in the book in light of recent developments in post-colonial theory, including projects influenced by his own work. With this fresh intervention, Robert Young is set once again to re-energize his field and open new channels of debate.