Georges Bataille
Essential Writings

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Georges Bataille's work is an essential reference in any discussion of modernity and postmodernity. An important influence on Foucault, Derrida and post-structuralism, Bataille is a thinker of key significance. This volume makes a selection from the entire body of his academic work, showing how his thinking on sacrifice, eroticism, taboo and transgression, and the nature of identity inform his social theory. Bataille - Essential Writings will be the standard introductory text to this profound and difficult thinker.

Introduction PART ONE: COMING INTO BEING: THE CONTINUITY OF THE LIFE PROCESS Birth and the Incomprehensible Wonder of Existence Materiality Sexual Differentiation and Otherness Language PART TWO: SOCIAL LIFE AND THE ORGANISATION OF SOCIETY The Nature of Society

Social Bonding and Communication Religion and the Sacred Taboo and Transgression Expenditure and Sacrifice Exchange and the Commodification of the Economy PART THREE: HUMAN BECOMING Work and Play Sexual Attraction

Eroticism and the Urge towards Death Sickness and Laughter Mastery and Servitude Meditation and Inner Experience PART FOUR: SOVEREIGNTY AND THE IMPOSSIBLE Writing and Reading

Literature and Art Confrontations with the World

Knowing and Un-Knowing Sovereignty Death The Impossible