Emmanuel Levinas is one of the most influential ethicists of recent times. The importance and relevance of his work has been recognized and celebrated within philosophy, literary theory, religion, sociology, political theory and other disciplines. His writing, however, undoubtedly presents the reader with a significant challenge. Often labyrinthine, paradoxical and opaque. Levinas' work seeks to articulate a complex system of thought and some hard-to-grasp concepts. Levinas: A Guide for the Perplexed is the ideal text for the student, teacher or lay reader who wants to develop a full and effective understanding of this major modern philosopher. Focused upon precisely why Levinas is a difficult subject for study, the text guides the reader through the core themes and concepts in his writing, providing a thorough overview of his work. Valuably, the book also emphasizes Levinas's importance for contemporary ethical problems and thinking.