In what sense is a consideration of a writer's intentions relevant to the reading and appreciation of his work? In the past half century powerful arguments have been advanced that they are not relevant at all. Patrick Swinden's book examines the conduct of the anti-intentionalist argument by exponents of Anglo-American new criticism, European structuralism and various kinds of post-modernist theory, and finds it wanting.

He enlists the aid of Kantian aesthetics and contemporary philosophy of language and action in an attempt to reinstate the play of intention by distinguishing it from related mental operations leading to motivated and purposive action. The philosophical argument is reinforced by an examination of the ways in which Shakespeare and other writers represent motive, intention and purpose in their work.