In texts such as Madness and Civilization and The Archaeology of Knowledge , Michel Foucault established himself as one of the most important figures in the theoretical revolution of the 1960s and 1970s. His influence only grew with later publications and even after his death in 1984, debate continues to rage around his work. This volume is a refreshingly accessible guide to Foucault's most influential ideas, their contexts and the ways in which they have been put to sue by a variety of critics. Examining such key concepts as power, discourse, knowledge, sexuality, subjectivity and madness, Sara Mills guides readers through the theoretical w9ork that under pins so many disciplinary fields today. She also provides a work-by-work guide to Foucault's major texts and an annotated list of further reading, to fully equip those planning to engage with his work at a more advanced level. This volume crucially considers how readers new to Foucault's work might integrate some of his approaches to analysis and apply his work to their own studies.
Michel Foucault has been written with students of literature in mind, but its relevance, like that of Foucault's remarkable work, extends far beyond literary studies. For anyone seeking to understand Foucault and the complex debates engendered by his work, this volume is the essential first step.