The Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, edited and introduced by Robert Denoon Cumming, is a unique and invaluable compilation that provides selections from Sartre's most important works, including previously untranslated material from his Critique de la Raison Dialectique. This volume draws from Sartre’s most influential writings, such as Being and Nothingness, Saint Genet, Nausea, No Exit, and What Is Literature?, along with selections from The Flies, Search for a Method, Theory of the Emotions, The Psychology of the Imagination, The Condemned of Altona and Situations. With Cumming’s expert editorial touch, this collection presents Sartre’s revolutionary ideas on existentialism, freedom, responsibility, Marxism, and human consciousness in an accessible format for readers of all backgrounds. Whether you are new to Sartre’s philosophy or a seasoned scholar, this volume is a comprehensive and compelling introduction to the ideas that shaped 20th-century thought.
Additional Book Info: Black cloth with brown decorations on the front board and spine, and gold lettering on the spine. Original price of $7.95 on the front flap of the dust jacket. Includes mylar protective jacket.
Editorial Reviews
"An indispensable guide to Sartre’s vast intellectual legacy. Cumming’s thoughtful curation of Sartre’s writings, alongside his accessible introduction, creates a window into the profound impact Sartre had on philosophy, literature, and politics." —The New York Review of Books
"For those seeking a deep dive into the core tenets of existentialist thought, this volume provides the ideal starting point. Sartre's relentless focus on individual freedom and responsibility is laid bare in this well-compiled selection, making it an essential read for both philosophy students and casual readers alike."
—Philosophical Review
About the Author
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905–1980) was a French philosopher, playwright, novelist, and political activist, and one of the leading figures in 20th-century existentialism and phenomenology. His groundbreaking works, such as Being and Nothingness and Nausea, deeply influenced modern philosophy, literature, and psychology. Sartre argued that existence precedes essence, emphasizing the importance of individual freedom and responsibility in shaping one's identity. A staunch advocate for social change, he also engaged with Marxism and was an outspoken critic of capitalism, colonialism, and oppression. His profound ideas on the nature of human existence, ethics, and social engagement continue to resonate across disciplines, making him a central figure in philosophical thought.
Robert Denoon Cumming (1911–1988) was a respected philosopher, scholar, and translator known for his work in bringing complex philosophical ideas to a broader audience. As editor and introducer of The Philosophy of Jean-Paul Sartre, Cumming provided clear and insightful commentary on Sartre's works, allowing readers to engage with Sartre’s philosophy in a more accessible way. Cumming’s academic expertise in existentialism and his clear writing style helped to popularize some of the most challenging aspects of Sartre’s thought for English-speaking audiences. His scholarship remains influential in the fields of philosophy and literary criticism.
