Edward Said and Authority – from Conrad to "Orientalism" and Beyond

Abstract

This essay traces the evolution, use and eventual decomposition of the term ‘authority’ in Edward Said’s critical practice from his early work on Joseph Conrad to his last essays on ‘late style’.   Authority and that which opposes it turn out to be crucial concepts for Said, deployed in his studies of music, literature, empire and theory.  This terminological assemblage is shown to enable penetrating insights but also serious blindspots in Said’s oeuvre and project.