'Cisney presents the clearest introduction to this difficult and yet essential Derrida text. His thorough investigation shows us that Voice and Phenomenon is not only one of the most penetrating criticisms of classical phenomenology, but also that it is foundational for Derrida's entire itinerary of thinking. This is a superb work.'Leonard Lawlor, Sparks Professor of Philosophy, Penn State University

The essential toolkit for anyone reading this seminal Derrida text for the first time

Published in 1967, Voice and Phenomenon marked a crucial turning point in Derrida's thinking: the culmination of a fifteen-year long engagement with the phenomenological tradition. It also introduced the concepts and themes that would become deconstruction.

Voice and Phenomenon is a short book, but it can be an overwhelming text, particularly for inexperienced readers of Derrida's work. This is the first guide to clearly explain the structure of his argument, step by step.

Key features:
. Introduces you to Derrida's historical context, with special attention to the importance of Husserl's thought
. Provides careful, critical commentary of his text from start to finish, explaining the key arguments and problems as you go
. Shows how the concepts used in Voice and Phenomenon paved the way for Derrida's future works
. Includes a glossary, further reading and descriptions of some of Derrida's ethical and political concepts from his later writings

Vernon W. Cisney is Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy at Gettysburg College, Pennsylvania.