Why is it that all interpretations are possible, and none is true? That some interpretations are just, but some are false? Lecercle draws on the resources of pragmatics, literary theory and the philosophy of language to propose a new theory of literary, but also of face-to-face, dialogue that charts the interaction between the five participants in the fields of dialogue and/or interpretation: author, reader, text, language and encyclopaedia. Interpretation is taken through its four stages, from glossing and enigma solving to translation and intervention.

JEAN-JACQUES LECERCLE is Professor of English at the University of Nanterre, where he teaches English literature, linguistics and the philosophy of language. He is the author of Philosophy Through the Looking-Glass, The Violence of Language and Philosophy of Nonsense.

Pragmatics of Interpretation 'Let Him Have It, Chris' Alter Ego The Reader, or: Imposture The Author, or: Intention Language, or: Interpellation Encyclopaedia, or: The Pragmatics of Literature Conclusion Notes Index