This selection of Bataille's work recognizes the full breadth of his contribution as a key thinker in debates on modernity and postmodernity, to critical theory, and as a major influence on Foucault, Derrida and Baudrillard.

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