Derrida: A Very Short Introduction

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring

Jacques Derrida had a major influence on 20th century philosophy and the idea of postmodernism. Challenging some of the deepest assumptions of the Western philosophical tradition, he is most renowned-or condemned-for his engagement with the movement that he called 'deconstruction.'

In this Very Short Introduction, Simon Glendinning explores both the difficulty and significance of the work of Derrida. Glendinning provides a clear sense of the centrality of Derrida's interest in Europe and his relationship to philosophy, to religious history, and to modern democratic politics.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

Simon Glendinning, London School of Economics and Political Science

Simon Glendinning is Head of the European Institute and Professor in European Philosophy at the London School of Economics. He is the author of Derrida's Legacies: Literature and Philosophy (2008).