Introduction

Since the publication of his mammoth work, Being and Time, Martin Heidegger has remained one of the most influential figures in contemporary thought, and is a key influence for modern literary and cultural theory. This guidebook provides an ideal entry-point for readers new to Heidegger, outlining such issues and concepts as:

• the limits of theory
• the history of being
• the origin of the work of art
• language
• the literary work
• poetry and the political
• Heidegger's involvement with Nazism

Fully updated throughout and featuring a new section on environmental thought and ecocriticism, this guidebook clearly and concisely introduces Heidegger's crucial work relating to art, language and poetry, and outlines his continuing influence on critical theory.