Roland Barthes and social theory

Roland Barthes (1915-80) was one of the leading post-structuralist authors of his day as well as making many important contributions to semiotics. These three volumes provide a complete overview of his achievement. They provide an unparalleled critical assessment of his work in semiotics, structuralism and post-structuralism. The development and contradictions in Barthes' thought are addressed and elucidated. His role in 'the cultural turn' is pinpointed. What emerges most powerfully, is a picture of a culturally engaged critic of contemporary life, who was prepared to make radical innovations in theory and method in order to illuminate his quest for truth. These volumes provide a high water mark in Barthes' studies and are indispensable for any serious scholar interested in the sociology of culture and the cultural turn