Two Autograph Letters, signed (“J. Derrida”), to New York scholar and professor Tom Bishop.
Paris: 25 February 1985.
Ink on paper, on institutional letterheads. 4to and smaller. Minor folds and one tiny closed tear. Fine Item #366060
The famed French philosopher and cultural critic Jacques Derrida (1930-2004) writes to his New York University colleague Tom Bishop. In the first letter, from the École des Hautes Études en Science Sociales, dated 25 February 1985, Derrida writes in French to “Cher Tom” a long communication regretting his inability to take part in “this much needed ‘Hommage a Foucault’” for reasons of health, scheduling, fatigue lingering after an operation. He write of a forthcoming voyage to the U.S., and notes that his long running seminar, held for the past ten years, meets on Wednesday evenings. “And on the theme of ‘L’héritage Ethique de l’Antiquité’ I feel incapable to say much, especially as an improvisation, for I would have the strength to prepare for a conference. What to do, then? I am very sorry. If you haven’t already posted it, it would best not to announce my participation”
The second note,address “cher ami”, is undated, on letterhead of the Écolle Normale Supériure: “I had forgotten to send the photocopy of La Folie du Jour, this “récit” of Blanchot on which we could before the seminar on Tuesday 6. Thank you for having arranged for me to be called during your absence, and for having so seriously attended to matters concerning my upcoming stay in New York. I rejoice in thinking of our next meeting”.
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