Product Description

Jean-Paul Sartre was once described as being, next to Charles de Gaulle, the most famous Frenchman of the 20th century. Between the ending of the Second World War in 1945 and his death in 1980, Sartre was certainly the most famous French writer, as well as one of the best-known living philosophers.

Introducing Sartre explains the basic ideas inspiring his world view, and pays particular attention to his idea of freedom. It also places his thinking on literature in the context of the 20th century debate on its nature and function. It examines his ideas on Marxism, his enthusiasm for the student rebellion of 1968, and his support for movements of national liberation in the Third World. The book also provides a succinct account of his life, and especially of the impact which his unusual childhood had on his attitude towards French society.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #44424 in Books
• Published on: 2005-09-01
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 176 pages

Synopsis
The Introducing series is renowned throughout the world for its ingenious combination of graphic illustration and intelligent, precise text by leading academics on some of the most challenging subjects around. This is an examination of one of the most famous philosophers of the 20th century.

About the Author
Philip Thody was Professor of French Literature and Head of the Department of French at the Univerisity of Leeds until his retirement in 1993. He has written studies of Barthes, Anouilh, Camus, Genet, Huxley, Proust and Sartre. He is also the author of Introducing Barthes.

Howard Read recently graduated from the Royal College of Art and is now working as a freelance illustrator. In 1997, he won the student prize in the Folio Society Golden Jubilee competition.

Customer Reviews

Great introduction
This book is thought provoking, explains Sartre's ideas simply and without pretense, but remains light and easy to read. (A difficult task to say the least.)

The other reviewers have stated how there maybe is not enough depth, but in my opinion, it is the way in which the ideas have been clearly presented without laborious analysis that is this books forte.

A great introduction to Sartre that will make you want to find out more.

A capable introduction
I completely agree with the other reviewer. This is a very readable introduction to the life and work of Sartre, but I found it a little too basic at times. I thought that there was too much description of Sartre's life, and not enough description of his ideas.Nevertheless, it's one of the best introductions around for someone who knows nothing about Sartre or existentialism.

Concise guide to the basic tenets of Sartre's philosophy
As part of the 'introducing' series, this is effective. It provides a concise yet also detailed explanation of the basic themes of Sartre's life, opinions, philosophy and works. The biographical details were presented in an interesting way, and the synopses of each work were helpful, and were well tied in to the rest of the material. The layout of the book itself is magazine-like rather than giving block text, which makes it easy to dip into for snippets, although this made it difficult to read right through. The illustrations can feel a little patronising (especially if you are reading this as a way in to Sartre's own writing)- someone has obviously decided that such complex ideas need to be provided in a 'fun' or 'easy' way, so that we don't get too bored. This guide only works as a first encounter with the man himself, and I found it rather stimulated interest than answered deep and complex questions about the nature of his philosophy. In brief, it is, as it promises, an introduction to Sartre, but is unlikely to give much insight to those who have already read some of Sartre's work.