Albert Camus is among the most significant French writers of the twentieth century. His novels, The Plague and The Outsider, have a timeless power and appeal and are studied all over the world, and his philosophical work has had an enduring influence. Oliver Todd has been authorised by Camus' family to write the definitive life. Opening with his impoverished childhood in Algiers, Todd brings the historical context to life, shedding light on Camus' later agonising conflict between sympathy for the working class Algerians ...
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Albert Camus is among the most significant French writers of the twentieth century. His novels, The Plague and The Outsider, have a timeless power and appeal and are studied all over the world, and his philosophical work has had an enduring influence. Oliver Todd has been authorised by Camus' family to write the definitive life. Opening with his impoverished childhood in Algiers, Todd brings the historical context to life, shedding light on Camus' later agonising conflict between sympathy for the working class Algerians and for the French colonials with a stake in their adopted land. His was a life of impossible choices and perpetual struggle, from his intimacy with the Gallimard family, despite their collaborationist activities, and his involvement in the conflict between Satre and de Beauvoir; to his own battles with debilitating bouts of tuberculosis and the passionate, restless nature that would never let him settle. With an extraordinary grasp of both his subject and his times, Todd brings to this rich, generous biography a rare immediacy and perception, evoking a great writer and his world with memorable force and engaging subtlety.
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Add this copy of Albert Camus: a Life to cart. $2.39, good condition, Sold by Dream Books Co. rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Denver, CO, UNITED STATES, published 2000 by Da Capo Press.
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A thorough and captivating biography of the talented author/philosopher Albert Camus. Todd traces the psychic and physical development of the young orphan , raised in poverty in French Algeria, by a tyrannical grandmother and a doting but deaf mute Mother' Recognized by his teacher as possessing a talent for literature and philosophy, he is coached by him to gain scholarships and eventual success as the Nobel Prize winner in l957. The bulk of this book however concentrates on his participation in journalism editing the paper "Combat", a vehicle for french resistance propaganda. How he survives the war, his marriage and torrid affairs is told with sympathy. His lingering battle with TB, and his tragic death in a car accident, are touchingly related to the reader. An exciting account , sensitively told. A five star !
vinbonne
Apr 20, 2007
Very interesting
I found the early section of the book very interesting, particularly up until the publishing of L'etrangere and the early friendhships in Paris. The later section seems more observational and less close to the people he was close to. But it does hit the main issues (this may just be my opinion). Its a very well rounded biography. Easy to read and interesting, capturing the historical period and Camus' relationship to his audiance, the publishing houses, the political movements, himself, his girls, the theartre and so on. A pleasure to read if you like Camus work and have interest in his life.
