French philosopher and literary theorist Roland Barthes was one of the leading
influences on the post-structuralist movement in twentieth-century literary
thought, and some of his best-known works, like "S/Z," speak directly to the
essential and individual relationship between a reader and a literary text. In
"Incidents," readers have the privilege of going inside the life and thought of
Barthes, through a book that is a testament to Barthes' belief that a literary
work should invite the full, active participation of the reader.
The essays collected in "Incidents," originally published in French shortly
after Barthes' death, provide unique insight into the author's life, his
personal struggles, and his