This volume provides a broad analysis of the term 'discourse' and a thorough examination of the many theoretical assumptions surrounding it. In the revised edition of this invaluable guidebook, Sara Mills:*examines the historical definitions and developments of discourse*analyzes Foucault's use of the term and its appropriation in the fields of linguistics, social psychology, and feminist, colonial and post-colonial theory*explores the changes that have taken place in the field of critical discourse analysis since original publication*discusses the work of various discourse theorists, including Zizek and Bourdieu.A fully updated bibliography, new glossary and suggestions for further reading make this more than ever the essential introductory guide to the concept of discourse for students of literary theory.