Out of This World. Deleuze And the Philosophy of Creation

Gilles Deleuze was one of the most original and influential French philosophers of the last century. This book aims to make sense of his fundamental project in the clearest possible terms, by engaging with the central idea that informs virtually all his work: his equation of being and creativity. It explores the various ways in which, in order to affirm an unlimited creative power, Deleuze proceeds to dissolve whatever might restrict or mediate its expression, including the organisms, objects, representations, identities, and relations that this power generates along the way.
Rather than a theorist of material complexity or relational difference, Out of this World argues that Deleuze is better read as a spiritual and extra-worldly philosopher.
His philosophy leaves little room for processes of social or historical transformation, and still less for political relations of conflict or solidarity.

Michel Foucault famously suggested that the twentieth century would be known as 'Deleuzian'; this sympathetic but uncompromising new critique suggests that our Deleuzian century may soon be coming to a close.

Synopsis
Gilles Deleuze was one of the most influential French philosophers of the last century. Michel Foucault famously suggested that the 20th century would be known as "Deleuzian." Thinkers, such as Jameson, Badiou and Negri all acknowledge his work as a profound influence. Peter Hallward's new book challenges the hegemony of Deleuze's work, aiming to go right to the heart of his philosophy. It engages with the central idea that informs virtually all his work: the assertion of an unlimited creative power. Exploring the ways in which Deleuze dissolves anything that might inhibit the expression of this creativity, Hallward accuses Deleuze of being a spiritual and "other-worldly" philosopher, rather than a theorist of material complexity and difference. Hallward argues that the problems of conflict and solidarity are effectively dismissed in Deleuze's work - as is the possibility of any political transformation. This powerful and thorough critique shows once and for all that the Deleuzian century is over.