The Archaeology of Foucault

This book is a comprehensive study of Foucault's crucial period, from 1961 to 1970, during which he defended his doctoral theses, gave his inaugural lecture at the Collège de France, published four books, traveled widely, and wrote extensively on literature, the visual arts, linguistics, and philosophy. It also discusses his travels to Brazil, Japan, and the USA, his time in Tunisia, and his editorial work for Critique. It completes a four-volume series of major intellectual histories of Foucault.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 16 December 2022
Publisher: Polity Press

On May 20, 1961, Foucault successfully defended his two doctoral theses, marking a significant milestone in his academic journey. However, his intellectual pursuits did not cease there. On December 2, 1970, Foucault delivered his inaugural lecture at the esteemed Collège de France, further solidifying his reputation as a prominent figure in the world of philosophy. Spanning these dates, Foucault authored four remarkable books, undertook extensive travels, and delved into diverse fields such as literature, the visual arts, linguistics, and philosophy. His teaching career began with the exploration of the complex subject of sexuality, marking the beginning of his profound inquiries into human nature.

This comprehensive study, meticulously woven together with analyses of both published and unpublished material, offers a profound exploration of this crucial period in Foucault's life. It delves into Foucault's major texts, his travels to Brazil, Japan, the United States, his time in Tunisia, and his editorial contributions to Critique and the complete works of Nietzsche and Bataille. During this period, Foucault developed his groundbreaking historical-philosophical approach known as "archaeology," which he regarded as the rules that enable specific claims to be made. This book, in its detailed examination of Foucault's archive, serves as an archaeology of Foucault in two distinct senses: excavation and reconstruction.

Completing a four-volume series of major intellectual histories of Foucault, this book represents the culmination of years of research and analysis. Foucault's Last Decade was published by Polity in 2016, followed by Foucault: The Birth of Power in 2017, and The Early Foucault in 2021. Each volume in this series provides a deep dive into Foucault's thought, exploring his influential ideas and their impact on contemporary philosophy and society.

In conclusion, Foucault's life and work during the 1960s and 1970s were marked by remarkable intellectual achievements and a relentless pursuit of knowledge. His defense of doctoral theses, inaugural lecture at the Collège de France, and the publication of four influential books showcased his profound insights and contributions to various disciplines. Through his extensive travels and writings, Foucault expanded our understanding of human nature, sexuality, power, and the historical-philosophical approach known as "archaeology." This four-volume series, which includes this book, serves as a testament to Foucault's enduring legacy and continues to inspire scholars and thinkers worldwide.

Weight: 462g
Dimension: 152 x 229 x 25 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781509545353