"The most striking quality in this volume of newly translated essays by Barthes, written between 1950 and 1977, is their freshness. . . . A humane and consistent vision threads through them: Barthes asserts firmly that literature matters, those in power lie, and killing for the sake of a doctrine is wrong. He writes with a clarity and brevity that strike to the heart of issues still relevant decades after his death: race, propaganda, abuse of power. . . . This collection is strongly recommended: it more than repays the reader's time and effort."– "Publishers Weekly"