*SOLD*

Paris, 1942
 
Appearing in October 1942 in an edition of 2750 copies.  This one being a rare advance review copy(“service de presse”).  The second leg of Camus’ Absurd Trilogy(Caligula being the third).
 
Original wrappers and rare as such. When this book does turn up, it's usually been rebound. A money copy - some modest rubbing and toning mainly at the edges, small spot on the spine, general light wear, else Near Fine.  A consequential book of the 20th century with practical applicability to real life. 
 
“Camus believes that the world is absurd - that we are born by chance, live by encounter, and die by accident. Although we crave happiness on earth and immortality after death, the disproportion between desire and fulfillment defines the absurd. An absurd world is a world without necessity, without purpose, and without essence.  Whatever meaning it has, we ourselves have to provide it. Existentialists believe that, because there is no a priori morality, men’s choices and actions fill the void that was left by the disappearance of God. However, says Camus, man’s forlornness should not be construed as a source of despair. On the contrary, God’s death should be viewed not as tragedy but as liberation - and it is this newly found freedom that gives men and women the strength to invent themselves. In an absurd world all choices are possible, even suicide.”(Stoltzfus)

[philosophy, literature]