Continuum Derrida's Writing and Difference: A Reader's Guide

"Writing and Difference" is widely perceived to be an excellent starting place for those new to Derrida and this "Reader's Guide" is the perfect accompaniment to the study of one of the most important philosophical works of the 20th Century."Writing and Difference" is one of Jacques Derrida's most widely read and studied books. In a collection of essays that engage with literature, history, poetry, dramaturgy, psychoanalysis, ethnology and structuralism, Derrida demonstrates how philosophy and literature might be read, and revolutionises our understanding of writing, difference and life itself.This introduction is the ideal companion to an unprecedented and influential group of texts. Sarah Wood reengages with the original French text and offers guidance on: philosophical and historical context; key themes; reading the text; reception and influence; and, further reading."Continuum Reader's Guides" are clear, concise and accessible introductions to key texts in literature and philosophy. Each book explores the themes, context, criticism and influence of key works, providing a practical introduction to close reading, guiding students towards a thorough understanding of the text. They provide an essential, up-to-date resource, ideal for undergraduate students. Review 'Does a good job of introducting Derrida in a fresh and immediate way ... [Wood]Â is sensitive to Derrida's style of writing without letting it (for the most part) take over her own approachable idiom ... This book has many features that will be attractive to the undergraduate readership the series seeks ... [leaves] the reader wanting to reach for Writing and Difference itself - which, after all, is the point.' - French Studies"This is a fine addition to the Reader's Guide series. Sarah Wood has produced a book which can truly guide readers through the eleven essays in Derrida's Writing and Difference, but which does so without distorting Derrida's thought beyond recognition, without simplifying truly complicated ideas, and above all by staying faithful to the creative and 'literary' dimensions of Derrida's practices of reading, writing and thinking" - Professor Graham Allen, University College Cork, Ireland About the Author Sarah Wood is a Lecturer in the School of English, University of Kent, UK.