The Cambridge Introduction to Jacques Derrida

Cambridge Introductions to Literature

by Leslie Hill

Few thinkers of the latter half of the twentieth century have so profoundly and radically transformed our understanding of writing and literature as Jacques Derrida (1930-2004). Derridian deconstruction remains one of the most powerful intellectual movements of the present century, and Derrida's own innovative writings on literature and philosophy are crucially relevant for any understanding of the future of literature and literary criticism today. Derrida's own manner of writing is complex and challenging and has often been misrepresented or misunderstood. In this book, Leslie Hill provides an accessible introduction to Derrida's writings on literature which presupposes no prior knowledge of Derrida's work. He explores in detail Derrida's relationship to literary theory and criticism, and offers close readings of some of Derrida's best known essays. This introduction will help those coming to Derrida's work for the first time, and suggests further directions to take in studying this hugely influential thinker.

Genres: Philosophy, Theory, Nonfiction, Biography

154 pages, Paperback

First published October 25, 2007

Reviews

[Ryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an overview and clarification of Derrida's thought, this book certainly fulfills its purpose (and is the basis of my rating.) Perhaps its most important feature lies in its rectification of several prominent misunderstandings of Derrida: that he engages only in wordplay, that he denies the existence of truth. Admittedtly, proclamations that there is "nothing outside the text" are difficult to pin down one way or the other in any case.
Which, I believe, is (one of) Derrida's points. It is argued whether his work is philosophy or literary analysis or literature itself; the value of the work itself is hotly contensted (either gibberish and truisms or a revolutionary shaking-up of past thought.) Derrida's project is to seek out the inter-spatial boundaries, instabilities, "undecidables," paradoxes.
Whether he succeeds or not, whether it means anything at all is up to you. I don't know, but I lean toward skepticism with the postmodernists.

[Damian · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have never read anything by Derrida, and have only come across his ideas in passing. I read this really quickly, it's a great overview. I love this series a lot, basing this statement off the Benjamin, Foucault, and now this one.

[arthur noble · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very clear. Fills in a lot of gaps about 20C thought movements.

[Karl Hallbjörnsson · Rating 2 out of 5]

This introduction managed to make Derrida sound supremely uninteresting. I have no doubt that it's an accurate depiction of the thinker in question, but the writing felt a little pedantic and adulatory. Then again, what did I expect? "Introductions" never add anything—they merely subtract. I think I'll just have to actually read Derrida.

[Andrew Skene · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful. Limited in scope (probably necessary). Author editorializes (thematically on point, practically rather obnoxious). If you pick this up longing for a sustained piece on Lacan, don't worry, it's there.

[Armen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good introduction, but as I am nearly illiterate in theory, a lot of it still went way the heck over my head. Will probably have to re-read this several times.

[Johannes Bertus · Rating 3 out of 5]

At last it all starts to make sense. (But skip the last chapter, where all Derrida's critics are called either stupid or right-wing.)