Jeffrey Mehlman Books

Exploring the "Blanchot affair," Jeffrey Mehlman reveals the complex past of a key figure in French thought who was linked to fascism in the 1930s. This investigation delves into the ideological implications of literary works, offering fresh insights into the intersection of psychoanalysis and literature. The book serves as a thought-provoking examination of literature, ethics, and the French experience during World War II, challenging readers to reconsider the moral responsibilities of writers and their legacies.

Offers advice to people on how to talk about books they have not read, including books they have skimmed, heard about, or read and forgotten, analyzes situations in which people might find themselves talking about books they have not read, and includes recommendations on how to resolve such social dilemmas

"Roudinesco provides a finely drawn map of the intellectual debates within French psychoanalysis, especially under the influence of the German emigrés during the 1930s and 1940s. She is a good historian, in that she provides not only a narrative history but also extensive passages from Lacan's own oral-history interviews with the various figures, so that we have not only her commentary but some flavor of the original documentation. Many of the quotes are gems."—Sander I. Gilman, Bulletin of the History of Medicine

Renowned for its brilliance and entertainment, this book has garnered acclaim from critics and scholars alike. It captivates readers with its insightful narrative and engaging themes, making it a standout work in recent literary history.