Derrida and Africa: Jacques Derrida as a Figure for African Thought

Derrida and Africa explores Jacques Derrida's relationship with Africa, focusing on his writings influenced by his childhood in El Biar. The book examines various aspects, such as Derrida as Mother, his position among African philosophers, deconstruction and diaspora, postapartheid South Africa, and the haunting specter of Africa in his work.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 134 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

Derrida and Africa delves into the intricate relationship between Jacques Derrida and the African continent, with a particular emphasis on Derrida's writings specifically related to Africa. Drawing from a range of chapters, the book explores various aspects of Derrida's engagement with Africa, including his childhood in El Biar, which undoubtedly left a profound impact on his philosophical outlook. The chapters span from examining Derrida as a "Mother" figure to thoughtful considerations on positioning him in relation to other African philosophers. They also delve into essays that connect deconstruction and diaspora, while another chapter explores the haunting presence of place in Derrida's work, particularly in texts like "Monolingualism of the Other: or, the Prosthesis of Origin." Furthermore, the book firmly establishes Derrida in postapartheid South Africa, highlighting his enduring influence on the region.

Edited by Grant Farred, this collection poses compelling questions: What is Derrida's significance to Africa? What is Africa's role in Derrida's thought? And what is this enigmatic specter called Africa that continues to haunt Derrida's intellectual pursuits?

Through meticulous analysis and thoughtful exploration, Derrida and Africa offers a profound and multifaceted perspective on the complex interplay between Derrida and Africa. It sheds light on the profound influences that Derrida's childhood in El Biar had on his philosophical ideas, as well as the ways in which he engaged with the diverse cultural and historical contexts of Africa. The book serves as a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich and multifaceted relationship between Derrida and Africa, providing a comprehensive and insightful examination of this critical topic.

Weight: 209g
Dimension: 219 x 154 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781498581912