Sartre for Beginners (Writers and Readers Documentary Comic Book,) (Paperback)

~ Donald D. Palmer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Sartre's key ideas, along with his major works, are presented in this accurate and accessible introduction to the work of this French philosopher, who is most notable for coining the term "existentialism," and who was a leading influence in French political and intellectual life. Illustrations.

Product Details

• Paperback: 156 pages
• Publisher: Writers & Readers Publishing (July 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0863161774
• ISBN-13: 978-0863161773
• Product Dimensions: 8.8 x 5.8 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #772,134 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

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

By A Customer

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!

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

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

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

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.

9 of 10 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 (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)

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.