"Roland Barthes is a central figure in the study of language, literature, culture and the media, both as innovator and guide. This book prepares readers for their first encounter with his crucial writings on some of the most important theoretical debates of the twentieth century." "In exploring Barthes's most influential ideas and their impact, Graham Allen traces his engagement with other key thinkers such as Jean-Paul Sartre, Ferdinand de Saussure, Jacques Derrida and Julia Kristeva. He concludes with a guide to easily available translations of key texts by Barthes and offers invaluable advice on further reading." "The in-depth understanding of Barthes offered by this guide is essential to anyone reading contemporary critical theory."--Jacket.