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Bernard-Henri Lévy's New Books: Philosophy, War, and the Pursuit of Truth

publication · 2026-04-23

On June 22, 2010, Éditions Grasset released Bernard-Henri Lévy's two latest works, 'De la guerre en philosophie' and 'Pièces d'identité'. The former, which builds on a lecture given at the École normale supérieure, examines the philosophies of Sartre, Althusser, and Nietzsche, delving into the connections between philosophy, theology, literature, and warfare. Meanwhile, 'Pièces d'identité' is an extensive 1,300-page anthology of his recent writings. Jacques Henric, in art publications, lauds Lévy's bravery in addressing popes and his perspectives on Judaism, while Philippe Forest highlights his eloquence and dedication to truth, countering nihilism. The lecture, conducted in the historic Salle Dussanne, is characterized as both a political sermon and a master class in engaged philosophy.

Key facts

  • Two books by Bernard-Henri Lévy published by Éditions Grasset: 'De la guerre en philosophie' and 'Pièces d'identité'.
  • 'De la guerre en philosophie' is an expansion of a lecture given at the École normale supérieure (rue d'Ulm).
  • The lecture covers philosophers including Sartre, Althusser, Lacan, Lévinas, Bataille, Derrida, Descartes, Platon, Leibniz, Heidegger, Nietzsche.
  • 'Pièces d'identité' is a 1,300-page collection of texts from the last five years.
  • Jacques Henric's review in art press praises Lévy's courage in judging popes John Paul II and Pius XII.
  • Philippe Forest's review in art press describes Lévy as one of the last great rhetoricians.
  • Lévy's philosophy opposes nihilism and relativism, advocating for a committed philosophy that seeks truth.
  • The lecture was held in the Salle Dussanne at ENS, where Lacan once taught.

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Éditions Grasset
  • École normale supérieure
  • art press
  • Libération

Locations

  • France
  • Paris
  • rue d'Ulm
  • Salle Dussanne
  • Athens
  • Jerusalem
  • Sweden

Sources