Europe's formative encounter with its ''others'' is still widely assumed to have come with its discovery of the peoples of the New World. But; as Jonathan Boyarin argues; long before 1492 Christian Europe imagined itself in distinction to the Jewish difference within. The presence and image of Jews in Europe afforded the Christian majority a foil against which it could refine and maintain its own identity. In fundamental ways this experience; along with the ongoing contest between Christianity and Islam; shaped the rhetoric; attitudes; and policies of Christian colonizers in the New World. The Unconverted Self proposes that questions of difference inside Christian Europe not only are inseparable from the painful legacy of colonialism but also reveal Christian domination to be a fragile construct. Boyarin compares the Christian efforts aimed toward European Jews and toward indigenous peoples of the New World; bringing into focus the intersection of colonial expansion with the Inquisition and adding significant nuance to the entire question of the colonial encounter. Revealing the crucial tension between the Jews as ''others within'' and the Indians as ''others without;'' The Unconverted Self is a major reassessment of early modern European identity.
#52688 in Books Grand Central Pub 2016-06-21 2016-06-21Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 8.00 x 1.13 x 5.13l; .0 #File Name: 1455523453448 pagesGrand Central Pub
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Interesting and in-depth story!By ReaderThis is a fascinating look into a small corner of the competitive swimming world. It's a bit of a long book; and at times it moves slowly. But the research put into the entire story is commendable and almost heroic. I think this would make a wonderful movie; and I hope it is something under consideration.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. Captivating readBy William RossThis is one book that grabbed me from the first page....although it's meticulously researched and reflects actual history; it reads like an adventure novel! It would make; in my opinion; a magnificent film. The author deserves kudos for weaving an inspiring real life tale; with a cast of courageous and dedicated participants. Bravo!!1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A+ story; D- executionBy EfoxWhat an amazing true story. The first thirty pages are fantastic. Unfortunately; for the next 400 pages the author fails miserably at making historical characters come to life with much depth or empathy; butchers any sense of suspense; gets lost in meaningless diversions away from what should have been the primary characters; and manages to create utter boredom out of what could have been an amazing retelling of fantastic events. If you're thinking this book should be read alongside the other terrific sports history books of similar time period; Seabiscuit and Boys in the Boat; you'll be very disappointed. Seabiscuit and Boys in the Boat are of quality that is well ahead of this effort. The real life heroes of this book deserved better.
