Derrida, Africa, and the Middle East

by Christopher Wise

The north African roots of Jacques Derridaâ he was born in Algeria, and lived there until he was nearly twentyâ have yet to receive due consideration. Derrida, Africa, and the Middle East investigates the iconic theoristâ s claim to â Black, Arab, and Jewishâ identity, demonstrating for the first time his significance for Africa and the Middle East while remaining mindful of the conflict between these Jewish and Arab heritages. Even as it criticizes Derridaâ s analyses of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it shows why Derridaâ s idiosyncratic politics should not deter his critics. Further, this study reveals similarities between deconstruction and ancient Egypto-African ways of thinking about language, and posits a new critical lineageâ one with origins outside the bounds of Greco-Roman thought.

228 pages, Hardcover

First published February 15, 2009