Alain Badiou recapitulates in this volume the decisive moments and figures of the French philosophical scene. In twelve essays, Badiou traces the essential movements of French philosophy in the second half of the 20th century through the lens of what he considers the most significant philosophers. Some of them were his teachers, some his 'older siblings', and others his comrades or opponents. The fact that Badiou knows or knew them all personally makes them tangible as individuals and gives concrete shape and language to the conflicting ideas. Sartre, Althusser, Deleuze, Lyotard, Rancière, and others are situated in this panorama not only through their texts but also by the roles Badiou assigns to them within this philosophical moment. This book demystifies French thought without simplifying the complex ideas.