This innovative book locates the historical emergence of postmodernism and what it is a reaction against. One of the key theorists of postmodernism, is Jean Baudrillard. He has had an enormous impact on contemporary social theory and social philosophy. This text locates his key concepts, locates empirical examples and importantly maps out the key influences of Baudrillard's work. There is critical engagement with Baudrillard's postmodernism in an assessment of its strengths and weaknesses.