4.0 out of 5 stars
Clear and crucial for Derrida scholarship, January 9, 2012
This review is from: Jacques Derrida: Live Theory (Paperback)
I came across this book in researching my M.A. thesis and I was extremely glad that I did! Smith's writing is accessible and organized (perhaps compensating for his infamous subject matter?) and gave me an easy reference for Derridean deconstruction. Not only is the book a handy introduction for those new to Derrida, it is also a great tool for those who find themselves slipping ever so slightly into believing the 'Derrida' monster. I found myself frequently referring back to Smith's book in order to remind myself that Deconstruction is not what it is often made out to be (negative, nihilistic, intent on destroying truth and being). Given that my task was to critique one of Derrida's deconstructionist critiques, keeping 'Derrida' away from Derrida proved more than valuable. I would recommend this book to any academic interested in Derrida. Invaluable.
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