This important collection of essays and interviews brings together a distinguished group of critics and commentators, including Rushdie himself, to explore the political and cultural contexts of Rushdie's novels. While each of the essays offer a distinct and often highly original take on Rushdie and his work, the two substantial interviews with Rushdie illuminate his thoughts on a series of literary and political subjects which he has for the most part been reluctant to discuss in public. This combination of fresh perspectives and historical and political context will appeal to a wide array of readers who are interested in Rushdie's work and the many pressing cultural and political issues it raises.This is a distinguished collection of interdisciplinary thinkers provide fresh insights into the complex political and cultural meanings of Salman Rushdie's writing.