Since the publication of his mammoth work, Being and Time, Martin Heidegger has remained one of the most influential figures in contemporary thought, and is a key influence for modern literary and cultural theory.This guid provides an ideal entry-point for readers new to Heidegger, outlining such issues and concepts as: the limits of 'theory'the history of beingthe origin of the work of artlanguagethe literary workpoetry and the politicalHeidegger's involvement with Nazism. Fully updated throughout and featuring a new section on enviromental thought and ecocriticism, this guid clearly and concisely introduces Heidegger's crucial work relating to art, language and poetry, and outlines his continuing influence on critical theory.