Product Description
While earlier research considered Simone de Beauvoir in theperspectives of Existentialism or Feminism, this work is the first toemphasize her reflective and descriptive approach and the full rangeof issues she addresses. There are valuable chapters and sections thatare historical and/or comparative, but most of the contents of thiswork critically examine Beauvoir's views on old age (whereon she isthe first phenomenologist to work), biology, gender, ethics, ethnicity(where she is among the first), and politics (again among the first).Besides their systematic as well as historical significance, thesechapters show her philosophy as on a par with those of Merleau-Pontyand Jean-Paul Sartre in quality, richness and distinctiveness ofproblematics, and the penetration of her insight into collective aswell as individual human life within the socio-historical world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

another Beauvoir
A very beautiful book which reveals another Simon de beauvoir: the one in love. She's passionate, sincere, writing with her heart to his "beloved" transatlantic love. They met in America when Simon cameto give a cycle of conferences around the States, and they started to writefrom this moment. We see how their love rises, how they open their heartsletter by letter, and we realize that her love was nothing but authentic.It's also a very interesting reading about life in Paris among theintellectuals of the time, the day by day with Sartre and their travellingtogether around the world. You really get in touch with this time and thiscircle of people. Very touching. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Five fine tales
This collection of five early tales is so wonderfully interwoven together that you might forget you're reading five separate tales of five different young women.

In de Beauvoir's first two autobiographical volumes--Memoirs ofa Dutiful Daughter, and The Prime of Life, I found myself relating to many of her own thoughts and feelings that she described.Thoughts about men, family, friends, religion, and independence. Likewise, in this first work of fiction which she did not deem worthy of publication until 40 years after she wrote it, I also could identify withher characters' similar thoughts and emotions. It is a nice complement to her autobiographies, because her characters are based on herself and those she knew.

This book gave me another angle with which to view those people in her life; in particular, her dearest friend Zaza, (as Anne) and her overbearing mother. The nearly four pages of pleading prayer by "Anne's" mother which opens the Anne chapter, is an amusing yet damning indictment against the mother. It clearly reveals her character and it is one of the best parts of the book!

For a richer and more precise account of Simone de Beauvoir's earlier years, read her autobiographies. Overall, this was a very enjoyable read. :-)

Amazing Collection of Short Stories
The stories in this wonderful book are all tied together through their characters and makes this collection an interesting and enjoyable read.Many thoughts of the woman protagonists mirror some of my own as they struggle with men, faith, education, family and their own insecurities.

Beautifully written before Simone de Beauvoir's famous The Second Sex, you see the beginnings of her philosophy emerging in each story.A delightful read and definitely recommended to all, especially fans of De Bauvoir's other writings.

Sadly out of print !
I recall, perhaps I was in college, WHEN THINGS OF THE SPIRIT COME FIRST came out in paperback.I'm afraid I've lost track of my copy over the years. It's an early work of De Beauvoir's, three closely interlocked, charming short stories.I found it hard to put down. ... Read more

Product Description
A collection of the letters of Simone de Beauvoir, written in English to her lover Nelson Algren. They provide a portrait of the love of a man and woman in their forties, as well as an account of de Beauvoir's life in the 1950s and friendships with Camus, Colette and Genet. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exactly the same as "Transatlantic Love Affair"
This a great book, which really shows the true character of Simone de Beauvoir.See the many positive reviews of "A Transatlantic Love Affair"- it is the same book."Beloved Chicago Man" is merely the title by this British publisher.Don't get both! ... Read more

Product Description
Includes the full French text, accompanied by French-English vocabulary. Notes and a detailed introduction in English put the work in its social and historical context. ... Read more