If you can penetrate the convoluted prose (that no doubt makes more sense in the French original), this short book is an interesting glimpse into the formation of a sociologist--without the hagiographical tone that usually accompanies traditional biographies or the hindsight wisdom and legend-building of less reflexive autobiographies. (Some convoluted prose for you there!)

Bourdieu writes this autobiography that is not really an autobiography, with plenty of sociological analysis in his theoretical style. But does he give us what we want? No. He just positions himself as well as possible in the sociological field of the time. Might re-read, as my lack of knowledge on many of the personalities he mentioned impaired my understanding.

Boudieu says in the final pages of this little volume that he has written the kind of biography of himself that he always wants of other thinkers. That is fair, in its way. I don't share his tastes.