Georges Bataille (1897-1962) was a philosopher, writer and literary critic who had an enormous impact on the thinking of Foucault, Derrida and Baudrillard. This book examines Bataille's oeuvre against the backdrop of his life, showing that the essence of his life and work were defined by transience and effacement.

Michel Surya is a writer, philosopher, editor and director of the journal Lignes. The French edition of his book Georges Bataille was awarded the Prix Goncourt for biography.