Asia in Western fiction traces the depiction of Asia and of Asians in novels and other works of Western fiction, emphasising works available in English. It describes and analyses themes, stereotypes and clichés common to literature that have contributed to the understanding, and misunderstanding, of Asia. Its eleven chapters examine the Western literary treatment of India, the Himalayas, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines, as well as of Muslims generally.This is the first book to address the evolution of Western literary perceptions of Asia comparatively, for the entire region. It offers insights into racial and cultural stereotyping, as well as into the popular culture of imperialism. Useful lists of novels and short stories about Asia written in, or translated into, English are included.The book is addressed to university students and scholars, and to anyone with an informed interest in modern East, South or South East Asia, as well as in comparative (and popular) literature; modern history and comparative imperialism; intellectual history; psychology and sociology; and international relations.
