Description: René Girard (1923-2015) was one of the leading thinkers of our era--a provocative sage who offered a bold, sweeping vision of human nature, human history, and human destiny. In this first-ever biographical study, Cynthia L. Haven traces the evolution of Girard's thought in parallel with his life and times, and reveals his insights into the collective delusions of our technological world and the changing nature of warfare. Evolution of Desire: A Life of René Girard provides an essential introduction to one of the twentieth century's most controversial and original minds.
Brief description: CYNTHIA L. HAVEN writes regularly for The Times Literary Supplement, and has also contributed to The New York Times, The Nation, The Washington Post, The Los Angeles Times, and many others. She is also the author of several books, including volumes on Nobel poets Czeslaw Milosz and Joseph Brodsky.
Review Quotes: It is my humble opinion that, when the dust finally settles, René Girard will be considered one of the truly great thinkers of the twentieth century. Do I exaggerate? Read Cynthia Haven's beautifully written biography and be your own judge. Here is a book that gives us Girard in all his genius and his generosity. I can't recommend it enough.
--Morgan Meis, contributor at The New Yorker and 2013 Whiting Award winner