"Masculine, Feminine, Neuter" and Other Writings on Literature

Roland Barthes was a 20th-century philosopher known for his essays and interviews on mass culture, cultural criticism, and literary semiology. This collection of his published writings, translated into English, is now available in paperback for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 05 August 2023
Publisher: Seagull Books London Ltd

Roland Barthes was a restless and versatile thinker. A relentless innovator, often acting as a daring smuggler of ideas across disciplines, he initially gained recognition with his concise essays on mass culture. Subsequently, he went on to produce some of the most suggestive and thought-provoking cultural criticism of the late 20th century, including "Empire of Signs," "The Pleasure of the Text," and "Camera Lucida." In 1976, this once-outsider structuralist was elected to a chair at France's esteemed Collège de France, where he chose to present himself as a professor of literary semiology until his passing in 1980.

The majority of Barthess's published writings have been accessible to a French audience since 2002. However, translator Chris Turner now presents a collection of essays, interviews, prefaces, book reviews, and other journalistic material for the first time in English, divided into five themed volumes. Volume three, titled "Masculine, Feminine, Neuter," consists of his writing on literature, encompassing his peers and influences, writers in French and other languages, contemporary and historical writers, and world literature.

Barthes was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays, articles, and books throughout his career. His work explored a wide range of topics, including literature, philosophy, semiotics, photography, and popular culture. He was known for his critical approach to these subjects, often challenging traditional assumptions and offering new ways of understanding them.

One of Barthess's most influential works is "Empire of Signs," which was published in 1970. In this book, he argued that language is not just a means of communication but also a system of signs that carries meaning and power. He explored the ways in which language shapes our perception of the world and how it can be used to manipulate and control people.

Another notable work is "The Pleasure of the Text," which was published in 1973. In this book, Barthes argued that reading is not just a passive activity but a creative one that involves the reader's active engagement with the text. He explored the ways in which readers interpret and construct meaning from the words on the page and how literature can evoke emotions and provoke thought.

"Camera Lucida" is perhaps Barthess's most famous work, and it is considered a classic of cultural criticism. In this book, he explores the concept of the gaze and how it shapes our perception of the world. He argued that the gaze is not just a physical act but a mental one that involves the construction of meaning and the interpretation of signs.

Barthess's work was highly influential in the fields of literary criticism, semiotics, and cultural studies. He influenced a generation of scholars and writers with his innovative approach to these subjects, and his work continues to be studied and debated today.

In addition to his written work, Barthess was also a renowned lecturer and teacher. He taught at various universities and institutions throughout his career, and his lectures were known for their intellectual rigor and clarity.

Barthess's legacy is significant, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary writers and thinkers. His critical approach to language, culture, and the human experience continues to inspire and challenge us, and his ideas continue to shape our understanding of the world.

In conclusion, Roland Barthes was a restless and versatile thinker who produced some of the most influential cultural criticism of the late 20th century. His work explored a wide range of topics, including language, literature, philosophy, semiotics, and popular culture. He was known for his critical approach to these subjects, often challenging traditional assumptions and offering new ways of understanding them. Barthess's legacy is significant, and his influence can be seen in the work of many contemporary writers and thinkers. His critical approach to language, culture, and the human experience continues to inspire and challenge us, and his ideas continue to shape our understanding of the world.

Weight: 192g
Dimension: 128 x 203 x 13 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803092768