Deconstruction - Derrida (Transitions) [Paperback]

Julian Wolfreys (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 031221393X | ISBN-13: 978-0312213930 | Publication Date: July 15, 1998

In this introduction to the work of Jacques Derrida, Julian Wolfreys challenges the notion that what Derrida does can be turned into a theory for literary interpretation. He questions the belief in a critical methodology called "deconstruction" which can be applied to literary texts in a programmatic fashion. Wolfreys introduces the reader to the range of Derrida's interests and concerns, while tendering readings informed by Derrida's thought of canonical and less well-known literary works. He works through considerations of what deconstruction might or might not be, while offering a critical appreciation of the reception of Derrida's work within the institution of literary criticism.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'If theory now faces the insistent option 'Lacan or Derrida?', Julian Wolfreys has chosen decisively - and persuasively - to go with Derrida, and has written an introduction to his writing which is supple, detailed, instructive and very intelligent.' - Antony Easthope, Manchester Metropolitan University 'It is not enough to say that there is no book on Derrida so sharp or so accessible as Wolfreys' sly and powerful work; this is also the most provocative discussion of the place and potential of deconstruction in our work I know of. Wolfreys has managed not simply to get Derrida right - well, to get him wrong knowingly and tellingly, as he says - but to get him before us in a way as to allow us to release for ourselves the enormous energy of this way of thinking and doing. This is Derrida on the move, on the make. Wolfreys has managed to so get inside Derrida and the deconstructive world that he writes with an ease and absolute lucidity that makes the play open and participatory, easily available to us all. Play that can do so much is the most serious activity imaginable, and this book that can do so much for students and scholars and do it with such apparent ease and such generous wit could not possibly be more welcome. It is the Derrida for our time.' - James R. Kincaid, University of Southern California 'Though talking about Derrida precludes anything purporting to be a beginner's guide, this book manages to discuss his ideas and theories in a way that makes trying to tackle them that bit easier. Wolfreys has a playful style, he knows the damage deconstruction can do to thought if it is handled in the wrong way and this helps to both show that fact to the reader and make it easier to absorb. Though it stands alone brilliantly it is perhaps best as a supplement to all the other confusing works. No book makes Derrida easy, but with this in hand it all seems more approachable. The best book on the subject.' - Dan Roddy , Nottingham 'A lively book which, while insisting that there is no such thing as deconstruction, manages to tell us quite a lot about it and a great deal about the work of Jacques Derrida. Readers will find the annotated bibliography especially useful.' - Jonathan Culler, Cornell University --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

Julian Wolfreys is Honorary Lecturer in English at the University of Dundee.

Product Details

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan (July 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031221393X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312213930
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,228,281 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars among the best books on derrida, July 5, 2004

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Santi Tafarella (california) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Deconstruction - Derrida (Transitions) (Paperback)

i am typing this with one hand with my eight month old daughter asleep on my lap so excuse the brevity. i just want to say that i have read a number of books by and about derrida and i think that this is one of the two or three best. i am a college english instructor and found the chapter on conrad's heart of darkness especially helpful for thinking about deconstruction and texts. get this book. you won't regret it.

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