Customer Reviews

Talking with Sartre: Conversations and Debates

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For those who think philosophical ideas are only for philosophers, this book will change your mind. Gerassi has the type of relationship with Sartre that allows true "Conversations" and "Debates" to take place. There is give and take, history and humor. At times you can almost see the two of them facing off over one of those small, round French cafe tables challenging the ideas of the other. If you want to read two great minds passionately engaged in ideas as well as the reflections of two old friend, be sure to get this book. You won't regret it.

Gerassi's conversations with Sartre are witty, insightful, and deeply human. It reveals the complexities of the French philosopher while also disclosing new aspects of his thinking. It's hard to book this book down. Get it, you won't regret it!

What John Gerassi has done here is nothing less than opened a window to one of the greatest minds of the 20th century.

Where much of Sartre's philosophical prose is difficult to tackle for lay readers, the interviews/conversations in this book allow the philosopher to convey his ideas with straightforward clarity as he and Gerassi discuss topics ranging from existential philosophy, to Cold War party politics and superpower imperialism, to literature and drama.

Gerassi explains that these conversations were culled from 2000 single spaced typed transcript pages of interviews he conducted with Sarte in the early 1970s. The topics discussed here--American aggression, the individual's responsibility in history, the misplaced faith in the messianism of a man or movement--are as relevant today as they were forty years ago when the original discussions took place.

Hopefully Yale University Press will release more of Gerassi's fascinating and edifying conversations with Sartre and hopefully Gerassi himself will set down the his own story and the story of his larger than life father and mother. An important, tremendous book!

What Gerassi, through his perceptive and at times challenging dialogue with Sartre, allows us to see is not only the evolution of Sartre's philosophical ideas, oftentimes in relationship to historical events, but also Sartre's humanity -- his fears, his triumphs, his loves - the whole range of human emotion. Only a true confidante could have garnered such a compelling portrait of a man who has sometimes seemed as obscure as some of his prose. Kudos also for the clarity in which Sartre's ideas are expressed in this book.

Actually a quote from Fripp, but certainly applicable here. This is an enchanting look into Sartre qua Sartre, not as anything or anyone else and thus does more to de-fetishize him than any other effort I can think of. While Gerassi regards his parents' friend with a genuine affection, and it is an affection that is returned, neither subject nor object pulls any punches. Gerassi is quick to point out that Sartre can be a genuine heel to ones who loved him most, he could also redeem his worst attributes with sincerity and commitment. The book reminds me of Petzet's ENCOUNTERS AND DIALOGUES WITH MARTIN HEIDEGGER (http://www.amazon.com/Encounters-Dialogues-Martin-Heidegger-1929-1976/product-reviews/0226664414/ref=dp_top_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1). Like Petzet, Gerassi presents a portrait of Sartre away from both the adulation and the vilification. This is a man he knew, admired and challenged, and the dialogue, as with the Heidegger book, articulates the humanity, and genuine brilliance, away from the philosophically academic reputation, with clarity, compassion and creativity. You are invited to eavesdrop and consider intimate conversations, often very humourous, and always engaging. If you have an avocation for either of these thinkers, I'd highly recommend the book. Their discussions of US foreign policy, the emergence of China and the decline of the Soviet sphere of influence are nothing short of prophetic.

This is an extraordinary book. I felt that I had been invited into a private circle where I could witness powerful insights and wisdom.
I would recommend this book to anyone who is open to expanding his/her mind, and ready to be delighted by excellent writing.
Robert Bloom
Oakland, CA