Critical Essays: Volume 2: 1949–1951

by Georges Bataille, Benjamin Noys (editor), Alberto Toscano (editor)

Genres: Philosophy, Essays

390 pages, Hardcover

Published May 20, 2025

About the author

French essayist, philosophical theorist, and novelist, often called the "metaphysician of evil." Bataille was interested in sex, death, degradation, and the power and potential of the obscene. He rejected traditional literature and considered that the ultimate aim of all intellectual, artistic, or religious activity should be the annihilation of the rational individual in a violent, transcendental act of communion. Roland Barthes, Julia Kristeva, and Philippe Sollers have all written enthusiastically about his work.

Reviews

[Tosh · Rating 4 out of 5]

This selection of post war essays by Georges Bataille are fascinating, especially what Europe went through in the past previous years. Mostly book reviews, but that sets off Bataille to express his curiosity that is unique and special.