This book provides a lively introduction to the work of Roland Barthes, one of the twentieth century's most important literary and cultural theorists. The book covers all aspects of Barthes's writings including his work on literary theory, mass communications, the theatre and politics. Moriarty argues that Barthes's writing must not be seen as an unchanging body of thought, and that we should study his ideas in the contexts within which they were formulated, debated and developed.

About the Author
Michael Moriarty is also the author of Taste and Ideology in Seventeenth-Century France, (Cambridge University Press, 1988).

Reviews
'Moriarty's considerable achievement in this book is to provide a sustained focus on the forms and functions of the politics of Barthes's writing ... Moriarty's account will guide and illuminate the readings of newcomers to his work as well as enhancing and enriching the rereadings of those who already know Barthes.'
Ann Jefferson, New College, Oxford

'A lucid and detailed account of the range of Barthes's work.'
French Studies

'Michael Moriarty's study is, I believe, excellent news for the undergraduate interested in Barthes. Though not specifically on literary theory, it will prove to be a comprehensive account of Barthes' importance to this discipline.' Modern and Contemporary France

Book Information
ISBN 9780745604565
Author Michael Moriarty
Format Paperback
Page Count 255
Imprint Polity Press
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 397g
Dimensions(mm) 229mm * 154mm * 21mm