Promotions - Choice's Outstanding Academic Titles 2015 - Social & Behavioral Sciences — Asian and Asian American Studies

In a sweeping and altogether splendid book, cultural historian Frayling (emer., Royal College of Art, London), well regarded for his previous work on pop culture and on behalf of the arts in the UK, offers a multilayer account of Orientalism.  The author unpacks the broader history of the "Yellow Peril" (a fear of and antipathy toward Asia and Asians) through the biography of a fictional character, Dr. Fu Manchu.  Importantly, this is not merely a literary study, nor a work of film criticism.  Instead, Frayling uses Dr. Fu Manchu to center a bigger story of prejudice, xenophobia, and cultural misrepresentation.  He makes a convincing case for the role of popular culture in the shaping of ideas about China, which linger to this day.  And while Dr. Fu Manchu has retreated from public view, Frayling highlights his broader legacy in film and fiction.  Well-researched and beautifully illustrated, this book merits a large audience ranging from general readers to students to researchers, although the book's size works against its utility in most classrooms.Summing Up: Highly recommended. All levels/libraries.