Guilty Le Coupable

Kendall, author of the biography Georges Bataille, presents this English translation of Georges Bataille's fascinating work Le Coupable (Guilty). This work takes the form of a diary describing the early days of World War II in France. Focusing specifically on his spiritual journey through this time of carnage, Bataille teaches "the art of turning horror into delight." This is the first English translation of the work to include Bataille's notes and drafts, allowing readers to refer to early manifestations of the author's thoughts. Annotation c2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Georges Bataille (1897–1962), a medievalist librarian by training, founded the College of Sociology and the secret society Acephale. He was equally famous for his contributions to French literature, art criticism, anthropology, philosophy, and theology. Bane of theologians, existentialists, and surrealists during his lifetime, he became an essential reference for the poststructuralist generation of French intellectuals, including Roland Barthes, Jean Baudrillard, Michel Foucault, and Jacques Derrida.

Stuart Kendall is a writer, editor, and translator working at the intersections of modern and contemporary art and design, critical theory, poetics, and theology. He is the author of the critical biography Georges Bataille and has also edited and translated two other books by Bataille, The Unfinished System of Nonknowledge and The Cradle of Humanity: Prehistoric Art and Culture, along with works by Maurice Blanchot, Paul Eluard, Jean Baudrillard, and Guy Debord. He is the editor of the online magazine Design/Culture/Criticism.