Philosophers 'do' 'it', literary critics 'do' 'it', even architects, poets, painters 'do' 'it'. It can involve the concepts of capital, politics, and justice. So what, after all, "is" deconstruction? "Deconstruction: A Reader" makes an answer to this question available in the only way possible - by offering a selection of breathtaking range and depth of essential texts. With more than sixty selections by fifty contributors, including nine pieces by Jacques Derrida, this is the ultimate anthology of deconstructive reading, demonstrating that deconstruction is vivid, surprising, varied, and true to the text.

Acknowledgements A Map of This Book Introduction: Five Strategies for Deconstruction Martin McQuillan Part 1: Avant la Lettre Part 2: Opening Remarks Part 3 Philosophy Part 4: Literature Part 5: Culture Part 6: Sexual Difference Part 7: Psychoanalysis Part 8: Politics Part 9: Ethics Part 10: The Work of Mourning Part 11: Closing Statements Bibliography 1: Jacques Derrida Bibliography 2: Key Publications of Contributing Authors