Customer Reviews (4)

Brilliant Thoughts Leading Everywhere
Most of the kernels in Camus's notebooks could be the seeds for short stories or even novels. He was brilliant and far less sombre in these notes than in the great novels and essays. For those who think Camus merely a son of Kafka, these errant thoughts provide showers of sparks for the mind.

through the looking glass
This book is definately reserved for the true Camus lover. It's mostly just a collection of jumbled thoughts, not for anyone looking to be entertained. It gives great insight into his everyday life and if imagining how Camus lived is as fascinating to you as it is to me then you will love this book.

A Little Gem
A wonderful collection of the random thoughts of a brilliant writer..he later used these notes to createhis masterpieces, unforgettable and poignant, a treasure to have in one's library.

don't bother
Larry McMurtry once wrote that one should never set out to read everything written by a particular author.Of course that was Larry McMurtry and I have come to realize that he was right about himself and many other authors."Notebooks 1935-1942" is evidence that it is true even about Albert Camus.Enthralled by "The Stranger" and "The Plague", I set out to read everything by this author.I blamed myself for not enjoying his complicated essays.I also blame myself for thinking that this collection of random thoughts, scenarios, and quotes would be worth the time it took to read it.There are occassional observations of note but they are lost in the lack of continuity of thought.The art of literature lies not in having great ideas.The art of literature lies in creating stories and scenarios that enable the reader to discoverthe truths the author would like discovered.

For students of Camus there could be some benefits in reading this "book".The first part of the notebook generally focuses on material used in "A Happy Death" while the very latter part of the notebook generally focuses on material used in "The Plague".

So many Books, so little time.Don't waste your time on this one. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very good companion book
I found this little gem in a used book store in a college town after having read 'The Fall', 'The Stranger' and 'The Plague'. This is not so much a biography or literary criticism as it is a reading companion. A well written examination of Camus' work for the casual philosopher who wants to get the most out of their literary experiences with Camus. Philip Thody was Assistant Lecturer of French at Queen's University of Belfast at the time of publication (1959).

The chapters are 1) The Expression of The Absurd 2)Resistance and Revolt 3) The Plague 4) Two Plays 5)True Rebellion and False Rebels 6) The Creative Revival and 7)Achievement and Limitations.
It is paperback bound.

Philip Thody dicusses pertiant existensial topics and uses the philosophical allegroies found in most of Camu's works with excellent focus on 'The Plague'. The language is concise and clear. I found both disagreement and agreement with many points and observations made. The Reference section is robust and helful for further study. A solid find in any used book store. Recommended for any entry level, moderate or self studied student of the French Existensialists. It may also be a useful for anyone who simply doesn't 'get' what all the fuss is about for Camus. ... Read more

Product Description
Reflecting the profound influence he continues to exert on popular consciousness, Camus examines the complete body of works of French author and philosopher Albert Camus, providing a comprehensive analysis of Camus’ most important works—most notably The Myth of Sisyphus, The Stranger, The Fall, The Plague, and The Rebel—within the framework of his basic ethical orientation.

• Makes Camus’ concerns clear in terms that will resonate with contemporary readers
• Reveals the unity and integrity of Camus’ writings and political activities
• Discusses Camus’ ongoing relevance by showing how he prefigures many postmodern positions in philosophy, literature, and politics

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Customer Reviews (1)

A Unique Perspective
A long time student of Camus' works, I thought I knew everything there was to know about this man.However, this book along with "Albert Camus and the Minister" have left me with a fresh perspective on Camus.Not to say that it destroys the image of the man that other works personify, but it does work to fill in the gaps and in some cases bring to light new things about a well known man, of whom little is truely known. ... Read more

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En este ensayo, Camus elabora una profunda reflexion sobre la condicion humana, y sugiere una etica del absurdo: el hombre cuya existencia esta desprovista de trascendencia, halla un sentido en el ejercicio pleno de la lucidez y en la asercion consciente de todos sus actos. ... Read more

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This book is an attempt to read the totality of Camus’s oeuvre as a voyage, in which Camus approaches the fundamental questions of human existence: What is the meaning of life? Can ultimate values be grounded without metaphysical presuppositions? Can the pain of the other penetrate the thick shield of human narcissism and self-interest? Solipsism and solidarity are among the destinations Camus reaches in the course of this journey. This book is a new reading of one of the towering humanists of the twentieth century, and sheds new light on his spiritual world. ... Read more