Originally published in French, this book provides the only in-depth biography to appear in English of this interesting thinker, whose influence has continued to grow since his death in 1995. This informative biography follows the ascent of Emmanuel Levinas from solitary thinker to one who is universally influential, and includes personal accounts of his family, friends, colleagues and students. It is essential reading for all those interested in Levinas and his thought, but also for anyone who wishes to better understand contemporary continental thought and its foundations and implications.