Through his explorations of the parallel developments of scientific, philosophical, and literary trends, Michel Serres has built a reputation as one of modern France's most gifted and original thinkers. This volume provides English-speaking audiences with a long-overdue introduction to the works of this influential scholar. These ten essays are among the most representative of Serres's writings, and they reflect the full range of his interests. Literature is the focus of essays on Molière, La Fontaine, and Zola, whereas articles on Plato, Thales, and the origin of language address philosophical concerns. Other essays are devoted to epistemological questions and present Serres's thoughts on genetics and on new approaches to science and its affinities with painting and religion. Michel Serres is professor of the history of science at the University of Paris, Sorbonne, and the author of more than a dozen books, including 'The Parasite'.