Eroticism Mary Dalwood - Translator. Colin MacCabe - Introduction

A study of the underlying sexual basis of religion and philosophy, in relation to death. From Freud to Sade, from Saint Theresa to Kinsey, Bataille's own research into erotic impulses and religious ecstasy emphasise the diverse nature of the human spirit.
Eroticism" is a study of the underlying sexual basis of religion and philosophy, especially in its relationship to death. Bataille's great erudition enables him to range from Freud to Sade and from Saint Theresa to Kinsey. This far-reaching, provocative and often controversial book includes the results of Batialle's own research into the origins of taboo, religious ecstasy and the erotic impulse. The author emphasises throughout the fundamental unity of the human spirit, the relationship between death and eroticism. We are asked to imagine man's existence in terms of man's passion. This important and stimulating work helps us to understand Bataille's vital influence not only on French writing today, but also on modern existentialist thought