Committed Writings

This collection includes Albert Camus’s most influential and enduring political writings, reorganized and recontextualized, with a foreword by Camus scholar Alice Kaplan.

Perhaps the most important philosopher of the twentieth century, Albert Camus (1913–1960), winner of the Nobel Prize in Literature, is more relevant today than ever before. Committed Writing brings together, for the first time, thematically-linked essays from across Camus’s writing career that reflect the scope of his political preoccupations. Featuring a foreword by acclaimed Camus scholar Alice Kaplan (author of Looking for the Stranger), this volume will introduce a new generation of readers to this cultural icon.
 
“A focused collection of the political and moral writings and speeches by the Nobel laureate. After a fresh foreword by Camus scholar Alice Kaplan, the compilation begins with four letters Camus published during World War II. . . . The longest piece is “Reflections on the Guillotine” (1957), which describes and condemns capital punishment, employing logic, passion, grim detail, and skillful prose. . . . In the first [Nobel Speech], Camus is humble and grateful and talks passionately about the significance of his art in his life. The second explores the idea of realism in literature—and how absolute realism is impossible. . . . The author ends by saying that truth should be the aim of the artist. Throughout, Camus’ talent, humor, and passion glisten like rare jewels.” —Kirkus Reviews