Edward Said was a prominent Palestinian-American scholar, literary critic, and theorist, best known for his influential work, Orientalism. He explored the ways in which Western cultures have historically portrayed and understood the East, particularly the Arab world. His ideas challenged the stereotypes and assumptions that shaped Western perceptions of Eastern societies. Said's contributions extended beyond literature; he was also an outspoken advocate for Palestinian rights and a critic of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East. His book, Culture and Imperialism, further examined the relationship between culture and colonialism, solidifying his legacy as a key figure in postcolonial studies.