The Use of Bodies

“Among the most important features of Agamben’s work, evident in this volume as much as in the whole series, is his attention to theological categories, and his realization that secular political philosophy roots its concepts in them…This is an important book. It can be read by itself, with profit, as a version of the arguments Agamben has been offering for more than three decades.“—Paul J. Griffiths , Horizons: The Journal of the College Theology “In The Use of Bodies, Agamben…takes up again the topic of life, giving us perhaps the most complete genealogy of the philosophical concept of life ever to appear. In particular, Agamben wants to think a conception of life that cannot be separated from its form, a life that cannot be rendered bare. Herein, we are finally treated with Agamben’s full conception of the form-of-life, long awaited in his work.“—A.J. Smith, Anglican Theological Review “The Use of Bodies completes its task as set out—Agamben draws together lines of inquiry [and] sets the stage for destituent potential as an inspiration for the coming politics….This work is an essential read for any followers of Agamben’s work, as well as one of the more accessible works in his Homo Sacer project.“—Michael P.A. Murphy, Reading Religion

Giorgio Agamben is a contemporary Italian philosopher and political theorist whose works have been translated into numerous languages. His most recent title with Stanford University Press is Stasis (2015).