This is an introduction to the work of 100 leading figures in the fields of literary and cultural theory. Whilst the focus is on modern theorists, space is also given to figures who have influenced the shape of current theory such as Saussure, Freud and Nietzsche. Each entry of between 1500 and 2000 words contains biographical information about each theorist, a list of the theorist's published texts, and an account of the theorists main work, ideas and impact on the field.