The authors disentangle the myth-making both in the West and in Muslim majority countries. By analyzing a process of elaboration of this myth that took place in academic books, arts and media, comics and Hollywood films, they show that the clash of civilizations has become a cognitive scheme through which people look at the world, a practical image on the basis of which they act on it, as well as a drama which mobilizes passions and emotions.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

1. Political Myths 2. Icons 3. Myth and Theory 4. The Politics of Myth 5. The Struggle for People’s Imagination.