Carolyn J. Dean
In his latest work, Dominick LaCapra renews his ongoing intellectual projects, including reflections on the relationship between critical theory and historiography, trauma in postsecular societies, human-animal relations, and analyses of new trends in criticism represented by Alain Badiou and Giorgo Agamben, among others. His sheer breadth of knowledge, intellectual versatility, generosity, and lucidity of mind solidifies his position as one of the most brilliant voices in contemporary criticism.
Frank Ankersmit
There is no more fertile, more original, more erudite, and more profound theorist of intellectual history than Dominick LaCapra. None of his books so impressively exemplifies the range of his historical thought as this one. There is no better demonstration of the powers of contemporary intellectual history than History and Its Limits.
Hayden White
Dominick LaCapra is a real metahistorian, constantly surveying the borders between history and the new topics arising on history's confines. No one is better informed in this field and no one is more solicitous of history's well-being. In this book, LaCapra shows the centrality of history to the other human and social sciences and demonstrates clearly the function of sea anchor which historical knowledge fulfills in secular culture.
Ethan Kleinberg
In History and Its Limits, Dominick LaCapra addresses some of the most important issues facing intellectual and cultural historians today (our understanding of violence, current trends in animal studies, and the place of theory in history) and does so in a way that is provocative, engaging, and instructive. The essays are far ranging but LaCapra's insights are exact and he proves a sure guide through complex ethical terrain. History and Its Limits is a must-read for current and aspiring intellectual and cultural historians as well as all those with an interest in critical inquiry.