In this challenging study of contemporary social theory, Bryan Turner examines the recent debate about orientalism in relation to postmodernism and the process of globalization. He provides a profound critique of many of the leading figures in classical orientalism. His book also considers the impact of globalization on Islam, the nature of oriental studies and decolonization, and the notion of 'the world' in sociological theory.

These cultural changes and social debates also reflect important changes in the status and position of intellectuals in modern culture who are threatened, not only by the levelling of mass culture, but also by the new opportunities posed by postmodernism. He takes a critical view of the role of sociology in these developments and raises important questions about the global role of English intellectuals as a social stratum.

Bryan Turner's ability to combine these discussions about religion, politics, culture and intellectuals represents a remarkable integration of cultural analysis in cultural studies.