A review of Out of this World: Deleuze and the Philosophy of Creation
It’s the sign of the maturation of philosophical work on Deleuze that Peter Hallward’s fine new book has appeared. For while the already quite lengthy series of introductions and reading guides has served its purpose, it’s not by approbation alone that one learns to appreciate a thinker; it’s also via those who, like Hallward, take the time to carefully point out what they think are the errors, or perhaps better in this case, the limitations of a thinker.[1] I do not agree with Hallward on the details of his argument, but his attempt does what Deleuze claims all good philosophy does: it forces you to think. In trying to understand how Hallward constructs his case I was forced to go back to Deleuze with a fresh eye. This forcing to think is the mark of a fine work, and for that and for other virtues — its wide range of topics, copious notes and clear writing chief among them — Hallward’s book deserves praise and careful reading.