Ian Buruma Books

Travel, politics and society all meet in this account of Chinese rebels, written by a leading authority on Asia.

Original research and new translations highlight a crucial era in the life and artistic journey of a renowned German Expressionist. The book features previously unpublished artworks that provide insight into the complexities and challenges faced by the artist during this significant period.

A brilliant and insightful history of the special relationship between the UK and the USA, which Ian Buruma argues is now under threat with the election of Donald Trump and Brexit.

For centuries Westerners have projected fan-tasies of a decadent, voluptuous East in contrast to the puritanism of their own cultures. A Japanese theatrical troupe performing in his native Holland in 1971 exposed the young Ian Buruma to these temptations, and soon he was off to Tokyo, a would-be libertine. The essays collected in The Missionary and the Libertine chronicle Buruma's sobering discovery that Asians often have equally distorted visions of the West. In these humorous and enlightening essays, Buruma describes the last days of Hong Kong, the showbiz politics of the Philippines, the chauvinism of the Seoul Olympics, the sinister genius of Lee Kuan Yew, the intricacies of Japanese sexuality, and much more. His portraits of Benazir Bhutto, Imelda Marcos, Satyajit Ray, and Corazón Aquino are classics of the journalist's art. Buruma shows that the cultural gap between East and West is not as wide as either missionaries or libertines, in East or West, might think. At home in both worlds, he has provided a splendid counterblast to fashionable theories of clashing civilizations and uniquely Asian values. By stripping away our fantasies, Buruma reveals a world that is all too recognizably human.

The book is praised for its imaginative and original storytelling, showcasing a unique narrative style that engages readers with wit and creativity. Its clever writing and fresh perspective make it stand out, appealing to those who appreciate a blend of humor and originality in literature.

Exploring the intersection of political Islam and secular Western values, this book offers an insightful analysis of the tensions and conflicts arising from their interactions. It delves into the historical context and contemporary implications, shedding light on cultural misunderstandings and the challenges of coexistence. Through case studies and critical examination, the author reveals the complexities of identity, governance, and faith in a rapidly changing global landscape.

The book delves into the complexities of collaboration during World War II, examining the moral ambiguities that exist between heroism and opportunism. It interweaves the narratives of three distinct figures—Kawashima Yoshiko, Felix Kersten, and Friedrich Weinreb—who navigated the challenges of living under Nazi and Japanese control. Through their stories, the text invites readers to reflect on the choices made in dire circumstances and the varying motivations behind collaboration.

The book explores the lasting impact of Edward Said's groundbreaking work on Orientalism, examining how his ideas have shaped contemporary views on cultural representation and colonialism. It delves into the complexities of East-West relations and the implications of Said's theories in various fields, including literature, politics, and postcolonial studies. Through critical analysis, the text highlights the relevance of Said's insights in understanding modern global dynamics and cultural interactions.

For eight years, the U.S. was led by a born-again Christian president, supported by evangelicals keen on blurring the church-state divide. Meanwhile, Europe faces rising fears that radicalized Islam threatens liberal democracy, while in Asia, particularly China, democracy struggles due to a history of state-religion ties. Ian Buruma offers a keen analysis of the tensions between religion and politics across three continents. He uses historical and contemporary examples to argue that the violent passions of religion must be controlled for democracy to thrive. Buruma explores why many Americans view religion as beneficial to democracy, contrasting this with European perspectives. He also challenges the belief that only monotheistic religions create issues for secular governance, examining the situations in China and Japan. Additionally, he revisits the narrative of radical Islam in Europe, from Salman Rushdie to Theo van Gogh's murder. Buruma critiques both defenders of "Western values" and "multiculturalists," asserting that establishing a democratic European Islam is essential. He contends that for religion and democracy to coexist, a clear separation between religious and secular authorities is crucial.

Combining history and biography, this book examines the theme of Englishness, looking at European Anglophiles and Anglophobes, from Voltaire to Isaiah Berlin.