This profound book by Edward Baring meticulously explores the formative years of Jacques Derrida, one of the most influential and controversial figures in 20th-century French philosophy. Focusing on the pivotal period between 1945 and 1968, the text delves into Derrida's intellectual development, his early engagements with phenomenology and structuralism, and the philosophical currents that shaped his groundbreaking theories of deconstruction. Baring provides an insightful analysis of how Derrida's thought emerged amidst the vibrant intellectual landscape of post-war France, offering a critical understanding of his unique contribution to modern thought and his lasting impact on critical theory, literary studies, and the humanities. This detailed account illuminates the complex intellectual journey of a young Derrida, contextualizing his foundational ideas within their historical and philosophical milieu.