'This [is an] extraordinary book about the most flamboyant French neo-Freudian of the 20th century...' The Times 'She acknowledges Lacan's personal absurdity and literary extravagance while simultaneously showing why and how he matters. Ms. Roudinesco captures the freshness of the intellectual world in which Lacan's developing notions were concocted ... Ms Roudinesco's biography, solidly translated by Barbara Bray, ... Read moreis a welcome aid to keeping him in perspective.' The New York Times 'The English translation of this biography is ... an event of the first importance.' The Times Higher Education Supplement 'It is the richest and fullest biographical study of Lacan to date, and it is unlikely to be bettered for a long time.' Radical Philosophy 'She provides perhaps the best, and certainly the most detailed, account of Lacan's life and work to date.' New Formations 'A riveting and illuminating account of the life and thought of Freud's most controversial posthumous rival. An accessible introductin to a demanding thinker.' Dennis Hollier, Yale University 'For anyone seeking to understand what is distinctive about the French psychoanalytic tradition this book is simply indispensable.' Malcolm Bowie, Oxford University 'Elisabeth Roudinesco takes us on a fascinating journey ... fascinating like Lacan himself.' Michael Kajman, Le Monde '[This book] is a wonderful success: clear and detailed, it will be read with interest by everyone - including those who do not worship the Master.' Luc Ferry, L'Express Show Less