This is a wide-ranging, erudite study, written in a vigorous, compact style. The author is interested in America as it exists in the imagination of the world, including, he emphasizes, the
imagination of Americans themselves. Four chapters devoted to modernist perceptions include discussion of D.H. Lawrence, Kafka, and Adorno. Six chapters address postmodernist representations
and include discussion of America as a "stereotype" and a "beautiful imperialist," as invincible and surreal, as desexualized (Lars Von Trier's Dogville) Said's America, and Hassan's radical
identification with America. Elbeshlawy is identified on the book cover as "an independent literary and cultural studies scholar teaching a number of interdisciplinary courses at the Hong Kong
University School of Professional and Continuing Education and the City University of Hong Kong." Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
