This is a wonderfully informative book, a kind of "Once upon a Time, Ljubljana," in which elevated philosophical debates and emerging political and cultural realities keep crossing over into each other's frames. It tells the story -- not anecdotally, but analytically, with a wealth of theoretical sophistication -- of how, from the tiny country of Slovenia, Slavoj Zizek and his closest colleagues, Mladen Dolar and Alenka Zupancic, encouraged and inspired by a phalanx of talented artists and intellectuals, launched a distinctive school of thought (both Lacanian and Marxist) with universal appeal. The real accomplishment of the "back story" is that it sets this thought into relief; that is, it tarnishes neither its distinction nor its universality. -- Joan Copjec, Professor of Modern Culture and Media, Brown University, USA This book is a long-awaited contextual account of the "Zizek-phenomenon", discussing its origins in the Slovenian School and beyond. Academically impeccable and eminently readable, with a bonus of three thoroughly enjoyable interviews. -- Fabio Vighi, School of European Languages, Translation and Politics, Cardiff University, UK 20140311