Dissemination is a thought-provoking book on the very nature of language which is used in our daily lives. The philosophies described in this book make a person question the various nuances of language.

In Dissemination, the author states that absence, dispersal and the risk of unmeaning are some of the risks by which all language is plagued. He also says that due to this malady the distinction between philosophy and literature is taking on a secondary importance. He further states that philosophy makes vain attempts to control the dissemination which arises from its meaning but that in doing so it goes against the nature of the language in an attempt to give its version of the truth. Literature on the other hand revels in the more romantic play of words.

The main points stressed upon in the book are that there is no definite outside/inside in language and that some texts or concepts are as written and do not have any hidden meaning. The author uses complex level of puns and allusions which are woven in an intricate manner to put his point forward. He talks of the truth about literature and the pretentious air about philosophy, which some claim as the literature of truth. The book is written in simple language and has some very interesting topics such as the extended discussion of Plato.

The book is recommended for philosophy enthusiasts as it gives a very thought-provoking view on the essentials of philosophy. It is also recommended for people who want to learn about the nuances of language and the differences between literature and philosophy in its most naked forms. It states some of the most essential facts about language and helps one understand the subtleties in language. The book was published by University of Chicago Press in 1983 and it is the reprint edition. It is available in paperback.