The Work of Mourning

Jacques Derrida is, in the words of the New York Times, "perhaps the world's most famous philosopher if not the only famous philosopher." He often provokes controversy as soon as his name is mentioned.But he also inspires the respect that comes from an illustrious career, and, among many who were his colleagues and peers, he inspired friendship.The Work of Mourning is a collection that honors those friendships in the wake of passing.Gathered here are texts letters of condolence, memorial essays, eulogies, funeral orations written after the deaths of well-known figures: Roland Barthes, Paul de Man, Michel Foucault, Louis Althusser, Edmond Jabu00e8s, Louis Marin, Sarah Kofman, Gilles Deleuze, Emmanuel Levinas, Jean-Franu00e7ois Lyotard, Max Loreau, Jean-Marie Benoist, Joseph Riddel, and Michel Serviu00e8re.With his words, Derrida bears witness to the singularity of a friendship and to the absolute uniqueness of each relationship. In each case, he is acutely aware of the questions of tact