To an influential philosophical movement. Foucault, Derrida, Lacan, and others shaped the academic debates of the 1970s and 1980s. Even today, their influence extends into many fields of the humanities and cultural studies. Through the themes of 'Theory of Meaning,' 'Anarchy of Thought and Desire,' 'Power and History,' and 'Aesthetics of Negativity,' the authors explain the emergence and development of poststructuralist thought, illustrated by key works. The second edition is supplemented by a chapter on reception and impact since the year 2000.