Places of Mind: A Life of Edward Said

"Places of Mind: A Life of Edward Said," a New York Times Book Review Editors' Choice, offers an unprecedented glimpse into the life of Edward Said, a monumental figure in the realms of postcolonial studies, education equity, and racial justice. Authored by Timothy Brennan, who not only studied under but also maintained a friendship with Said, this biography paints a multifaceted portrait of a man whose intellectual vigor and eloquent advocacy reshaped academic and political landscapes. Brennan expertly navigates through Said's complex persona—a tender, self-doubting intellectual with roots stretching from New York to Beirut, who leveraged literature's power to challenge and alter civic life. Drawing from a rich tapestry of sources including FBI files and Said's unpublished works, Brennan encapsulates Said's radical humanism and enduring impact on university discourse and beyond. Published on March 23, 2021, this compelling narrative is a vital read for those in adult education and anyone committed to understanding the intersections of education, racial justice, and advocacy through the lens of one of the twentieth century's most influential thinkers.