AT THE EXISTENTIALIST CAF

This is a major opus. The author has undertaken an in-depth analysis of the thinking, ideas and political positions of the main existentialist philosopers of the 20th century, and has successfully integrated it with investigation of their lives in social and political context. It is clear where her sympathies lie, but she carefully admits whenever she has the advantage of hindsight compared to her study subjects. For me, the highlighting of the works of Simone de Beauvoir was particularly revealing and her autobiograpgy is now on my to-read list. Congratulations to Sarah Bakewell on a work of love, which is a wonderful read. Challenging and stringent on every page, never boring.

Wonderfully well written and very personal appreciation of the Existentialists and Existentialism.

One of the best books that I’ve read in years. It made me remember how much I enjoy philosophy. I can’t believe I put off buying this book for so long. I learned a lot about phenomenology and existentialism from this book.

Heidegger and Husserl made understandable? With humor, lightness, insight, empathy? If Ms.Bakewell can accomplish this ---- which she does ----- imagine how accessible and lovable (yes LOVABLE!!) she can make Sartre, Camus, Merleau-Ponty, et. al.! I don't include Simone de Beauvoir in that list because she was always accessible to the non-academic. This is an utterly brilliant tour de force. Witty, insightful, expansive perspective on an era and its intellectuals that should not be missed.

Wonderful. Being existentialist and missing those days I love this piece of writing. Am also a writer and appreciate the book from a purely aesthetic pov as well.

A delightful 'being in the moment' as if I was listening to various philosophers' ideas developing around me.

I really enjoy reading Sarah's writing, it mixes the autobiography with philosophical views of each character mentioned.

Great book

Es magnético. Si estás interesado y contextualizado en el existencialismo y la fenomenología vas a disfrutarlo muchísimo. Pero si no, es una perfecta forma de iniciar.

Gives a detailed insight into the times and happenings of the early to mid 20th century, placing the existentialist movement in context.

Good quality book. Shipped and arrived fast. a good read.

The book illustrates what existentialism is all about by chronicling its masters’ lives and the one of its mistress, De Beauvoir, who comes out as The Existentialist of the author’s choice together with Marleau-Ponty for the same reason, namely their paradigmatic ability to observe and describe their own respective experience lightly. An entertaining gateway to existentialism, and an enlightening one.

Beautifully, clearly written. I could not put it down because it answered life long questions and gave me the opportunity to understand much better the existentialist movement in the 20th century that continues to influence our own.I cannot recommend this book highly enough either on vacation, for thourough study, or for group discussions.