With the publication of her highly acclaimed and much-cited bookGender Trouble, Judith Butler became one of the most influentialfeminist theorists of her generation. Her theory of genderperformativity and her writings on corporeality, on the injuriouscapacity of language, on the vulnerability of human life toviolence and on the impact of mourning on politics have, takentogether, comprised a substantial and highly original body of workthat has a wide and truly cross-disciplinary appeal.In this lively book, Moya Lloyd provides both a clear expositionand an original critique of Butler's work. She examines Butlerscore ideas, traces the development of her thought from her firstbook to her most recent work, and assesses Butlers engagements withthe philosophies of Hegel, Foucault, Derrida, Irigaray and deBeauvoir, as well as addressing the nature and impact of Butler'swriting on feminist theory. Throughout Lloyd is particularlyconcerned to examine Butler's political theory, including hercritical interventions in such contemporary political controversiesas those surrounding gay marriage, hate-speech, human rights, andSeptember 11 and its aftermath.Judith Butler offers an accessible and originalcontribution to existing debates that will be an invaluableresource for students and scholars alike.
