Jacques Derrida, Paul de Man, Michel Foucault, Roland Barthes, Gilles Deleuze - all are theorists crucially influenced by Blanchot's work. This guide examines Blanchot's work on an idea-by-idea basis,anchoring each in historical and intellectual contexts; examines Blanchot's understanding of literature, death, ethics and politics and the relationship between these themes; unravels even Blanchot's most complex ideas for the beginner; and sketches the lasting impact of Blanchot's work on the field of critical theory.