Sartre for Beginners [Paperback]

Donald D. Palmer (Author, Illustrator)

Book Description

Series: For Beginners | Publication Date: August 21, 2007

Sartre For Beginners is an accessible, yet sophisticated introduction to the life and works of the famous French philosopher, Jean Paul Sartre. Sartre was a member the French underground during World War II, a novelist, a playwright, and a major influence in French political and intellectual life. The book opens with a biographical section, introducing the significant events in the life of the man who coined the term, “Existentialism.” Then it examines Sartre’s early philosophical works. Ideas from Sartre’s other fictional and dramatic works are discussed, but the greatest part of the book is the presentation of the main concepts from Sartre’s Being and Nothingness (1943). These ideas include the topics of consciousness, freedom, responsibility, absurdity, “bad faith”, authenticity and the hellish confrontation with other people. Finally, the book deals with Sartre’s modification of his earlier existentialism to compliment his conversion to a kind of “existential” Marxism. Sartre For Beginners summarizes the work of the most renowned philosopher of the 20th century.

Product Details

• Paperback: 216 pages
• Publisher: For Beginners (August 21, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1934389153
• ISBN-13: 978-1934389157
• Product Dimensions: 6 x 0.4 x 9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #670,872 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Existentially Simple Sartre, June 12, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Sartre for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book,) (Paperback)

This book is a joy. I knew nothing about Sartre or Existentialism and found this book very clear and easy to follow. Unlike another Sartre book claiming to be an easily understood introduction, this one contains graphics and cartoons that aren't just caricatures of the people involved (how is knowing what they looked like going to help me follow the facts?). The graphics in this book are simple, funny visual descriptions and explanations of a rather complex subject. Not complex at all since I read this book. It's not a vastly detailed scientific study of Sartre's work. It is what it promises to be: A Beginner's Guide to Sartre. With no knowledge of philosophy, I found it fascinating and easy to follow, and it's whetted my appetite for further reading. There are others in this series, about other philosophers, and I'd recommend them all if you just want a little basic knowledge to enhance your knowledge of the world!

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Good Start on Sartre, March 17, 2002

By 

Mike Anthony (Lynnwood, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Sartre for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book,) (Paperback)

I have to agree with the Reader from New York below. _Sartre For Beginners_ from Writers and Readers Publishing was indeed a good place to start, unlike _Introducing Sartre_ from Totem Books.

The writing style was clear and concise, and the illustrations appropriately complemented the material. The book is well structured, with a short Biographical section, a lengthy section on Sartre's Existentialism (focusing primarily on Being and Nothingness), and ending with a short section on Sarte's Marxism. The Glossary was greatly appreciated as was the Sources of Quoted Passages and Bibilography.

While I don't agree with half of what Sartre has to say, Donald Palmer's introductory presentation of Sartre's Philosophy is first rate, and thus I gave it 5-Stars.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars No Place to Begin But Here, February 18, 2000

By 

rareoopdvds (San Diego, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Sartre for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book,) (Paperback)

Sartre for Beginners by Donald Palmer (whom wrote a few of the 'For Beginners' books) gives a fun look at the popularizer of existentialism. Drawing from Sartre's life experiences, biography and influences to show how Sartre came to his theories. An easy read, although one must still contemplate on some level the philosophies that are presented before them. A good beginning book for anyone who wants to learn more about Sarte and existentialism in general. A good addition to the For Beginners book series.