Roland Barthes (1915-1980) is one of France's most important writers and theorists of the second half of the twentieth century. His volumes of essays have been translated into many languages. His work is hugely influential in the fields of semiotics, structuralism and numerous areas of the humanities. Yet Barthes' career, hampered by illness in early adulthood, was beset by a large number of false starts. After the Second World War, he started a career in the French Diplomatic Corps, tried to become a sociologist and lexicologist and worked briefly as a popular theatre activist; he was also a keen amateur musician, painter, reluctant Marxist, dilettante philosopher and editor. Yet none of these activities defines Barthes; even his academic career was highly unorthodox and he has not always been taken seriously. So how do we classify him? Andy Stafford offers a clear-sighted, readable account of Barthes' work and life. While he argues that Barthes may best be categorised as a journalist, essayist and critic, he emphasizes the social preoccupations in Barthes' writing: how Barthes continually analysed the self and society. In doing so, Stafford also provides a fascinating account of the intellectual scene of post-war France. This cogent introduction to a vital figure will interest students and specialists alike. In this cogent, accessible biography, Andy Stafford offers a new picture of the man and his work, one that helps us to understand him even as it acknowledges the complexity presented by his restless interests and unorthodox career. Stafford argues that Barthes is best classified as a journalist, essayist, and critic, and he emphasizes the social preoccupations in his work—how Barthes continually worked to analyze the self and society, as well as the self in society. In doing so, Stafford paints a fascinating picture not just of Barthes, but of the entire intellectual scene of postwar France. As Barthes continues to find new readers today, this book will make the perfect introduction, even as it offers new avenues of thought for specialists. Cover 1 Roland Barthes 5 Imprint Page 6 Contents 7 Notes on the Text 8 Introduction 9 1. War Orphan 17 2. Tubard 32 3. Marxism, Popular Theatre and the New Novel 53 4. From Semiology to Structuralism 75 5. May ’68 95 6. From the École to the Collège 116 7. Fame, Death and the ‘Aristocratic’ Self 138 Conclusion: ‘Barthes is not a Barthesian’ 158 References 163 Select Bibliography 183 Acknowledgements 191 Photo Acknowledgements 193
