A compact, lucid introduction to the work of one of the most important, challenging, and controversial philosophers of the twentieth century  Acquaintance with the work of Martin Heidegger is indispensable to an understanding of contemporary thought and culture. His work has had a profound influence on a number of disciplines, including theology, Sartrean existentialism, linguistics, Hellenic studies, the structuralist and hermeneutic schools of textual interpretation, literary theory, and literature itself. With characterisitc lucidity and style, George Steiner makes this philosopher’s immensely difficult body of work accessible to the general reader. The breadth of Steiner’s learning and interests also allows him to place Heidegger in a broader Continental literary-cultural context. In a new Introduction, Steiner addresses language and philosophy and the rise of Nazism   “It would be hard to imagine a better introduction to the work of philosopher Martin Heidegger.” -- George Kateb ― New Republic "Steiner’s short book, in its generosity of feeling and range of reference, is a continuous pleasure to read.”   -- P. F. Strawson ― New York Review of Books "Whether readers or thinkers respond to Heidegger or not, some acquaintance with his thought is indispensable, and Dr. Steiner has provided it beautifully.” ― New Yorker Acquaintance with the work of Martin Heidegger is indispensable to an understanding of contemporary thought and culture. His work has had a profound influence on a number of disciplines, including theology, Sartrean existentialism, linguistics, Hellenic studies, the structuralist and hermeneutic schools of textual interpretation, literary theory, and literature itself. George Steiner has written a great many books during his long and distinguished career as a literary critic, essayist, philosopher, novelist, translator, and educator. He was professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Geneva, Lord Weidenfeld Professor of Comparative Literature and Fellow of St Anne’s College at Oxford University, and Norton Professor of Poetry at Harvard University.