Of Grammatology

by Jacques Derrida
Of Grammatology cover
Good Books rating 4.25
Philosophy
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  • ID: 5388
  • Added: 2025-10-23
  • Updated: 2025-10-24
  • ISBN: 9781421414720
  • Publisher: JHU Press
  • Published: 2013-10-17
  • Formats: 1
  • Reviews: 3

Jacques Derrida's revolutionary theories about deconstruction, phenomenology, psychoanalysis, and structuralism, first voiced in the 1960s, forever changed the face of European and American criticism. The ideas in De la grammatologie sparked lively debates in intellectual circles that included students of literature, philosophy, and the humanities, inspiring these students to ask questions of their disciplines that had previously been considered improper. /n/n Thirty years later, the immense influence of Derrida's work is still igniting controversy, thanks in part to Gayatri Spivak's translation, which captures the richness and complexity of the original. This corrected edition adds a new index of the critics and philosophers cited in the text and makes one of contemporary criticism's most indispensable works even more accessible and usable.

Reviews
Philosophy Publics · 2025-10-23
essential 4.25

The book is a foundational text that introduces key concepts in deconstruction and has a lasting impact on philosophy. It's a challenging but rewarding read.

The reviewer from Philosophy Publics emphasizes the foundational nature of Of Grammatology in the field of philosophy. They highlight the book's introduction of key concepts like différance and deconstruction, which have had a lasting impact on the field. The reviewer acknowledges the book's complexity but also its rewarding nature for those who engage deeply with its ideas. They suggest that the book is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding the development of contemporary philosophy.

Quick quotes

    Of Grammatology established Jacques Derrida as a major figure in contemporary philosophy and introduced both différance and deconstruction.

    The book is a foundational text that introduces key concepts in deconstruction and has a lasting impact on philosophy.

    It's a challenging but rewarding read.

Rinse Middle Bliss · 2023-03-17
thought-provoking 4.00

The book's complexity makes it challenging to review, but it inspires deep reflection on language and meaning. It's a work that demands multiple readings to fully grasp its nuances.

The reviewer notes that Of Grammatology is a book that defies straightforward review due to its dense and complex nature. It's not a book you can casually read and understand; instead, it requires a deep dive into Derrida's theories of deconstruction and phenomenology. They appreciate the book's ability to provoke thought and inspire further exploration into the nature of language and meaning. However, they also acknowledge that it's not an easy read and may not be accessible to everyone. The reviewer suggests that it's a book that will either draw you in and keep you engaged for years or push you away due to its complexity.

Quick quotes

    It's very, very difficult to do a straight-up review of Derrida's Of Grammatology because everything about the book inspires bad behavior.

    The book's complexity makes it challenging to review, but it inspires deep reflection on language and meaning.

    It's a work that demands multiple readings to fully grasp its nuances.

NDPR · 2012-05-13
insightful 4.50

The book provides a valuable perspective on Derrida's theories and their impact on contemporary philosophy. It's a significant work that has shaped the field of deconstruction.

The reviewer from NDPR highlights that Of Grammatology offers a crucial perspective on Derrida's groundbreaking theories. They appreciate the book's role in introducing concepts like différance and deconstruction, which have had a profound impact on contemporary philosophy. The reviewer acknowledges the book's complexity but also its importance in understanding the development of philosophical thought. They suggest that while the book may be challenging, it's a necessary read for anyone interested in the field of deconstruction.

Quick quotes

    Reading Derrida's Of Grammatology gives us a good perspective from which to think through what has been so far said about Derrida's book.

    The book provides a valuable perspective on Derrida's theories and their impact on contemporary philosophy.

    It's a significant work that has shaped the field of deconstruction.

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