Original essays explore the thought and influence of philosopher, educator, social critic, and theologian Ivan Illich.

This unique collection examines the man Utne Reader has called "the greatest social critic of the twentieth century." The essays-all by people Illich has influenced personally-discuss how his life and thought have affected conceptualization, study, and practice of psychotherapy, notions about education, ideas concerning the historical development of the text, perceptions of technology, as well as other topics. All of Illich's books are discussed and his ideas on education, theology, technology, anarchism, and society are examined in relationship to those of René Girard, Karl Polanyi, Emmanuel Levinas, and Jacques Ellul. Illich's previously unpublished paper offering a new view of conspiracy in European history is included.