Livingston provides the first rigorous critical reconstruction of Girard's theory of minesis. Drawing a careful distinction between the theory itself and Girard's often ambitious claims about it, Livingston provides a systematic presentation of Girard's ideas about the role of imitation in human motivation. He surveys responses to Girard's work and compares his theory of mimetic desire with recent work in cognitive psychology and philosophy. The result is a salient theoretical alternative to the false choice between psychoanalysis and antipsychological doctrines that currently dominates literary theory.