A Roland Barthes Reader

very pleased

The late American writer, Susan Sontag, compiled this anthology shortly before Roland Barthes' death in 1980. She makes the extravagant claim that "of all the intellectual notables who have emerged since World War II in France, Roland Barthes is the one whose work I am most certain will endure." I am yet to be convinced. Even in English translation, Barthes' logic is hard to follow, so I haven't yet dared to attempt to study the original French. To take a random quote, do you think that "syntagmatic consciousness is a consciousness of the relations which unite signs on the level of discourse itself"? Barthes thinks so (p 215). But like so many statements in his writings, the opposite claim is equally plausible. So is Barthes a great philosopher, or a candidate for Private Eye's "Pseuds corner"?. I bought this book in the hope of discovering which, if any, of Barthes writings I would like to read in full. To that extent the book has fulfilled its purpose; in the end my favorite was his early essay (page18ff) on a rather unlikely topic, "The Word of Wrestling".

I am not commenting on the quality of the writing or the mediocrity of certain translations. The vintage edition I received gives a chemical odeur and the quality of the print is not good.

Thick as a pillow and with the same purpose. We learn more through sleeping than through reading.

Bought it for a second reading after a decade. Pleasure to read Susan Sontag’s introduction and Roland Barthes’ writings. Both these social critics are a must read for any and every intellectual pursuit. The work requires sustained and deep attention.

Chapter on Lover's Discourse is really expression of heart rather than reality.

Very cheap paper quality.