Basic Writings of Existentialism

Basic Writings of Existentialism presents key texts from major existentialist thinkers, edited and introduced by philosopher Gordon Marino. The anthology includes works from Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Dostoevsky, Unamuno, Sartre, de Beauvoir, and other influential writers who shaped existentialist thought. Each selection contains biographical context and explanatory notes to provide background for the featured writings. The collection covers fundamental existentialist concepts like authenticity, freedom, responsibility, and the inherent meaninglessness that humans must confront. The book organizes the texts chronologically to show the development of existentialist ideas across different time periods and cultural contexts. Marino's introductions connect the philosophical arguments between different authors while highlighting their unique perspectives and contributions. Through these essential readings, the anthology examines core questions about human existence, individual purpose, and the relationship between personal freedom and moral accountability. The selected works reveal how existentialist thinkers approached life's fundamental problems through both philosophical argument and literary expression.

Readers appreciate the book's organization and Marino's introductory essays that provide context for each philosopher's work. Many note it serves as an effective entry point to existentialism, with clear explanations of complex ideas. Liked: - Includes lesser-known writers like Kierkegaard and Unamuno - Chronological arrangement helps track the evolution of existentialist thought - Brief but informative biographical sections Disliked: - Some selections are too short to fully represent the authors - Translation quality varies between texts - Academic language can be dense for beginners - Missing key works from Camus and de Beauvoir Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (280+ ratings) Notable review quotes: "The biographical sketches alone make this worth reading" - Goodreads reviewer "Good intro but leaves you wanting more depth" - Amazon reviewer "Would have preferred complete texts rather than excerpts" - LibraryThing reviewer

Being and Time by Martin Heidegger A comprehensive philosophical work that examines human existence through phenomenology and establishes core concepts of existential thought.

The Myth of Sisyphus by Albert Camus A philosophical essay that explores the concept of the absurd and the search for meaning in a meaningless universe.

Irrational Man by William Barrett An examination of existential philosophy through the works of Kierkegaard, Nietzsche, Heidegger, and Sartre, with focus on their historical and cultural context.

The Divided Self by R. D. Laing A study of existential psychology that connects philosophical concepts to mental health and human experience.

Existentialism from Dostoevsky to Sartre by Walter Kaufmann A collection of existentialist writings that traces the development of existential thought through its major figures and texts.

🔅 Gordon Marino served as a boxing trainer and coached Golden Gloves fighters while simultaneously teaching philosophy and existentialism at St. Olaf College. 🔅 The book includes writings from Søren Kierkegaard, who is considered the father of existentialism but ironically never used the term "existentialism" himself. 🔅 Many of the existentialist authors featured in the collection were also accomplished literary figures - Sartre won (but declined) the Nobel Prize in Literature, and Camus was the second-youngest recipient of the prize. 🔅 Editor Gordon Marino maintains one of the largest Kierkegaard research libraries in North America at the Hong Kierkegaard Library at St. Olaf College. 🔅 The book includes work from Simone de Beauvoir, whose relationship with Jean-Paul Sartre challenged traditional views of marriage and monogamy - they remained intellectual partners for 51 years without ever living together or being exclusive.