René Girard and Raymund Schwager : Correspondence 1974-1991
Author(s):
The brilliant and ground-breaking mimetic theory of the French-American theorist René Girard (1923-2015)has gained wide-ranging recognition, yet its development has received less attention. This volume presents the important correspondence-conducted in French and as yet unpublished, let alone translated into English-between Girard and his major theological interlocutor Raymund Schwager SJ (1935-2004). It presents the personal relationship between two great thinkers that led to the development of a significant break-through in the humanities. In particular it reveals the theological development of Girard's thought in dialogue with Schwager, who was concerned to assist Girard in areas where he had little expertise and had encountered major criticism, such as the theological application of sacrifice. These issues in particular had placed major barriers to Girard's acceptance in theological circles. These letters reveal how Girard, with Schwager's help, entered the mainstream of theological debate.
Review(s):
"The edited and translated correspondence between René Girard and Raymund Schwager is a great gift to those engaged in the study of violence and religion—specifically relating to mimetic theory … Several points in this book are of particular significance: the helpful timeline provided by the editors, the translator notes, and the themes discussed by the two correspondents … [T]he editors and translators clearly viewed their work as a labor of love—and it shows." -Reading Religion, A Publication of the American Academy of Religion
“The English translation of the recently published letters between Girard and Schwager represents an important and exciting resource for scholars of mimetic theory. The correspondence offers an insider’s peek into many of the key developments in thought of both Girard and Schwager. … These letters will serve to nuance the discussion about how mimetic theory fits into the (especially Catholic) theological conversation. … Regarding production, the team effort at translating and editing the letters paid off. The editorial touch is just right, and the translators do the best possible job of preserving but making intelligible Girard’s occasionally grammar-free sentences. The superb index will prove immensely helpful for those looking to track down comments about a particular figure or topic. The book is a winner and we can hope that a paperback will appear soon.” -Violence and Religion
ISBN: 9781501320477