This text lets us into a pivotal moment in Girard’s thought. It was here that, for the first time, he brought together the discussion of the scientific nature of the insight developed in Violence and the Sacred, and the role of Christianity in bringing rationality to light, which he would go on to develop thereafter. These pages are also a reminder of just how brilliant Girard was in question and answer sessions, as those of us who were privileged to see him in action can attest. Andreas Wilmes and Andrew J. McKenna offer very helpful context and commentary. A gem.—James Alison, Catholic priest, theologian, and author
This translation represents a significant milestone for scholars of mimetic theory. The book transcribes a conversation among leading anthropologists and Girard about Violence and the Sacred and Girard’s forthcoming interpretation of Christianity’s relationship to pre-Biblical religion. This conversation captures Girard perhaps at the peak of his powers—thoughtful, daring, and brilliant. Readers will pick this up and not put it down until they reach the final page.—Grant Kaplan, professor of theology at Saint Louis University, and author of René Girard, Unlikely Apologist