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.
Philip Thody
was Professor of French Literature at the University of Leeds until 1993. He is also the author of Introducing Sartre. He died in 1999.
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