Jean-Paul Sartre Books

Critical Essays (Situations I) contains essays on literature and philosophy from a highly formative period of French philosopher and leading existentialist Jean-Paul Sartre’s life, the years between 1938 and 1946. This period is particularly interesting because it is before Sartre published the magnum opus that would solidify his name as a philosopher, Being and Nothingness. Instead, during this time Sartre was emerging as one of France’s most promising young novelists and playwrights - he had already published Nausea, The Age of Reason, The Flies, and No Exit. Not content, however, he was meanwhile consciously attempting to revive the form of the essay via detailed examinations of writers who were to become central to European cultural life in the immediate aftermath of World War II. -- Provided by publisher

The first English translation of Sartre's unfinished fourth volume of Roads of Freedom, exploring themes central to Sartrean existentialism.

The book delves into the philosophical questions surrounding literary creation, examining the essence of writing, its motivations, and its intended audience. Sartre invites readers to reflect on the purpose and implications of writing, encouraging a deeper understanding of the relationship between the author, their work, and society. Through this exploration, the text challenges conventional notions of authorship and the act of storytelling.

"No Exit is an unforgettable portrayal of hell. The Flies is a modern reworking of the Electra-Orestes story. Dirty Hands is about a young intellectual torn between theory and praxis. The Respectful Prostitute is a scathing attack on American racism."--Cover.

The book presents a previously lost script by Sartre, centered on the life and theories of Freud. This unrealised classic sheds light on Sartre's unique perspective on Freud's work, revealing insights into psychological and philosophical themes. Discovered posthumously, it offers readers a rare glimpse into Sartre's creative process and his engagement with one of the 20th century's most influential thinkers.

Set against the backdrop of the Algerian war, Jean-Paul Sartre's work presents a critical reexamination of his philosophical and political ideas. In "Critique of Dialectical Reason," he proposes a new historical theory essential for postwar Marxism, focusing on class struggle and the dynamics of popular revolts throughout history, including significant revolutions from the French to the Russian and Chinese. This intellectual masterpiece, now with fresh introductions by Fredric Jameson, marks a pivotal moment in modern social thought.

Due to Sartre's failing eyesight, this volume uniquely relies on personal taped interviews rather than the traditional critical essays and responses. The material was collected through these interviews, which were subsequently translated, edited, and organized to align with the series' customary format. This approach offers a distinctive insight into Sartre's thoughts and philosophies, reflecting his perspectives in a manner tailored to his circumstances.

It is Right to Rebel, available in English for the first time, comprises extensive dialogues between the philosopher and writer Jean-Paul Sartre, journalist and founder of Liberation Philippe Gavi and political radical and Maoist Pierre Victor, conducted between 1972 and 1974.

The letters between Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir, spanning 1940-1963, reveal Sartre's experiences during World War II, including his time as a soldier and a prisoner. These correspondences showcase his prolific writing period, during which he crafted major works like The Age of Reason and No Exit. The collection captures their intimate exchanges, Sartre's reflections on the war's impact on creativity, and his rise to fame. It culminates with Beauvoir's poignant note following Sartre's death, marking the end of their remarkable correspondence.

First published in 1972. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.