A new selection of foundational works from the influential philosopher who developed the theory of mimetic desireWhy do humans have such a remarkable capacity for conflict From ancient foundational myths to the modern era,the visionary thinker Rene Girard identified the constant,competing desires at the heart of our existence - desires that we copy from others,igniting a contagious violence. This remarkable and accessible new selection of Girard's work shows him as a writer for our times,as he ranges over human imitation and rivalry,herd behaviour,scapegoating and how our violent longings play out in stories,from Shakespeare to religion.'The explosion of social media,the resurgence of populism,and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably "Girardian" in its behaviour'The New York Review of BooksEdited with an Introduction by Cynthia L. Haven
Publisher: Penguin Books LtdISBN: 9780241543238Number of pages: 336Weight: 240 gDimensions: 196 x 128 x 26 mm
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Praise forThe explosion of social media,the resurgence of populism,and the increasing virulence of reciprocal violence all suggest that the contemporary world is becoming more and more recognizably "Girardian" in its behaviorThe man who helped us perhaps more than any other social thinker of our time to understand violence,death and martyrdomPraise forInfluential and comprehensive. Haven's Evolution of Desire is exemplary in its sensitivity...Her readers are challenged but left free to make up their own mindsA penetrating account of an important thinker - and as agile,profound,and affecting as its subjectEssential reading for Girard devotees and a perfect entrée for newcomers. Rich with details and ideas,Cynthia Haven's book gives everything it promises and something more: a personal account of a close friend. Highly recommendedHere is a book that gives us Girard in all his genius and generosity. I can't recommend it enoughRené Girard's provocative theories on violence,religion,desire,and scapegoating are intensely relevant to contemporary American society. Cynthia Haven offers an account of Girard's life and ideas that is as compelling as a good detective story. It should receive the widest possible readership
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