The orientalism of french Arabists is a highly controversial point because of their involvment in colonial expansionism; it has for this reason not been an historical scope of investigation yet. Through an analysis of their careers, their publications and intellectual positions, this book presents the political and scholarly issues of their action, in the cultural context of a large 19th century. The rediscovery of forgotten authors will foster interest for their works, which have taken part in Arab and Muslim heritage as well as in the destructive effects of the imperialist policy of France.