Adopting an interdisciplinary approach, encompassing philosophy, literature, politics and history, John Foley examines the full breadth of Camus’ ideas to provide a comprehensive and rigorous guide to his political and philosophical thought and a significant contribution to a range of debates current in Camus research. Foley argues that the coherence of Camus’ thought can best be understood through a thorough understanding of the concepts of “the absurd” and “revolt” as well as the relation between them. The book includes a detailed discussion of Camus’ writings for the newspaper Combat, a systematic analysis of Camus’ discussion of the moral legitimacy of political violence and terrorism, a reassessment of the prevailing postcolonial critique of Camus’ humanism, and a sustained analysis of Camus’ most important and frequently neglected work, “Homme révolté” (The Rebel). Written with sufficient detail and clarity to satisfy both academic and student audiences, the book is an important discussion and defence of Camus’ philosophical thought.

"A masterful job of research and analysis, beautifully incorporating the full range of Camus' writings."

David Sprintzen