Giorgio Agamben's homo sacer series has earned him a vaulted place in the continental tradition, but his earlier works showcase the real roots of his exempliary work in language, aesthetics, and literature. His philosophy of language and linguistics leads to a broader theory of representation, revealing the hiatuses and paradoxes of discursive practice across a wide range of disciplines. In this collection, established and emerging scholars examine Agamben's impressive corpus, identifying his philosophical and literary concerns and situating them within larger debates in continental philosophy. It includes a contribution by Agamben himself, makes this essential reading for anyone interested in his work.