Abstract

In order to consider the history of varying relationships between Marxism and post-colonial theory, the author examines sources from Edward Said’s archive housed at Columbia University’s Rare Book & Manuscript Library. He considers patterns wherein academic institutions in the Global North archive collections from or about the Global South. Thus, this essay investigates questions of history, responsibility, and coloniality in material collection, access, and distribution. But beyond this formal abstract, the essay proceeds in a decidedly personal tone. That is, the author situates himself as a participant in these relationships, patterns, and questions.