Early Foucault

Foucault published his first major book, "History of Madness," in 1961, after working as an academic for a decade. This book is the most detailed study of Foucault's early career, based on archives in France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and the USA. It explores his debt to teachers, diploma thesis on Hegel, teaching career, encounters with Georges Canguilhem, Jacques Lacan, and Georges Dumézil, and his translations of Ludwig Binswanger, Victor von Weizsäcker, and Immanuel Kant. It also discusses his clinical work with Georges and Jacqueline Verdeaux and his cultural work outside of France. Stuart Elden's "The Early Foucault" sheds new light on the formation of a major twentieth-century figure.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 04 June 2021
Publisher: Polity Press

Foucault's journey to publishing his inaugural major work, "History of Madness," took a significant turn in 1961. Having already immersed himself in the academic realm for a decade, Foucault's contributions extended far beyond the classroom. He served as an instructor in Lille and Paris, engaging in extensive writing, organizing cultural programs, and delivering lectures in Uppsala, Warsaw, and Hamburg. Despite his relatively limited publication output during this period, Foucault's intellectual pursuits were far more extensive, with a wealth of his writings now accessible to researchers.

To delve into the intricacies of Foucault's early career, Stuart Elden has conducted a comprehensive study, drawing upon archives located in France, Germany, Switzerland, Sweden, and the United States. This extensive research effort has resulted in the most detailed account yet of Foucault's formative years. The book unfolds Foucault's indebtedness to influential teachers such as Louis Althusser, Jean Hyppolite, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Jean Wahl, as well as his diploma thesis on Hegel. It also traces his early teaching trajectory, encompassing his initial encounters with Georges Canguilhem, Jacques Lacan, and Georges Dumézil, and the profound impact of his sustained readings of Friedrich Nietzsche, Edmund Husserl, and Martin Heidegger.

In addition to these intellectual pursuits, The Early Foucault delves into Foucault's translations of notable figures, including Ludwig Binswanger, Victor von Weizsäcker, and Immanuel Kant. It sheds light on his clinical work with Georges and Jacqueline Verdeaux, providing insights into his therapeutic approach. Furthermore, the book explores Foucault's cultural endeavors outside of France, highlighting his contributions to the field of philosophy.

Through meticulous research and analysis, Stuart Elden's "The Early Foucault" emerges as an outstanding work of intellectual history. It sheds new light on the formation of a significant twentieth-century figure, offering a profound understanding of Foucault's intellectual trajectory and the influences that shaped his thought. This book is a valuable resource for scholars, students, and anyone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of Foucault's intellectual legacy.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 153 x 228 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509525966