This collection reflects the French influence on literary and representational theory which has been predominant in recent years. It contains stimulating essays on the fiction of Perault, Borges, James, Eco and Tournier. These are complemented by theoretical essays on power and representation which provide powerful critiques of Barthes, Derrida, Deleuze and Marin, writers central to the contemporary debate. Finally, two perceptive essays reflect upon and attempt to redirect current theory, drawing on and confronting the writings of Michel Foucault.

Introduction Mike Gane. Part 1. Language and Representation: Two Critiques 1. Skin Deep: Barthes, Lavater and the Legible Body Michael Shortland 2. Textual Theory: Derrida Mike Gane Part 2. Fictions: Textual Explication and Criticism 3.1. Marin: A Pascalian Diversion George Salemohamed 3.2. The Narrative Trap: The Conquest of Power Louis Marin 4.1. Introduction to Deleuze Graham Burchell 4.2. Michel Tournier and the World Without Others Gilles Deleuze 5. Borges/Menard/Spinoza Mike Gane 6. A Rose Is A Rose Is... Umberto Eco, the Double Agent Pasi Falk Part 3. Two Manifestos 7. After Representation: Recent Discussions of the Relation Between Language and Literature Ian Hunter 8. Discourse and Power John Frow