René Girard (1923-2015) was one of the leading thinkers of our era--a provocative sage who offered a bold, sweeping vision of human nature, human history, and human destiny. In this first-ever biographical study, Cynthia L. Haven traces the evolution of Girard's thought in parallel with his life and times, and reveals his insights into the collective delusions of our technological world and the changing nature of warfare. Evolution of Desire: A Life of René Girard provides an essential introduction to one of the twentieth century's most controversial and original minds.