After Derrida

by Nicholas Royle

Reactions to Derrida vary some regard him as a charlatan, as simply nihilistic and irrationalist; others as an extraordinarily clear and patient thinker, concerned with the affirmation and elaboration of a new enlightenment. However construed, his work in the field of deconstruction has been a decisive point of reference and orientation for cultural and intellectual debate in the English-speaking world. This study of Derrida aims to explain what Derrida has to say in relation to a wide range of topics, including molluscs, surprise, multiple voices, absolute danger, telepathy, laughter, self-portraits, love, foreign bodies and ghosts. It also presents different readings, beyond and after Derrida. In addition, the author discusses the work of Shakespeare and Wordsworth, Toni Morrison, Foucault, Salman Rushdie, Emily Dickinson, Wallace Stevens, and Samuel Beckett.

178 pages, Hardcover

First published July 1, 1995

Reviews

[Steven Felicelli · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Americans, we necessarily misread Derrida (so goes the theory). But having delved into American, Anglo & Continental readings of Derrida (not to mention 'reading' Derrida), I've come to prefer the misreadings. They're more interesting and fruitful to an amateur intellect.