Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringJacques Derrida had a major influence on 20th century philosophy and the idea of postmodernism. Challenging some of the deepest assumptions of the Western philosophical tradition, he is most renowned-or condemned-for his engagement with the movement that he called 'deconstruction.'In this Very Short Introduction, Simon Glendinning explores both the difficulty and significance of the work of Derrida. Glendinning provides a clear sense of the centrality of Derrida's interest in Europe and his relationship to philosophy, to religious history, and to modern democratic politics. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.