At the Existentialist Café

This book by Sarah Bakewell delves into the history and philosophy of existentialism, starting with a pivotal moment in 1933 when Jean-Paul Sartre, Simone de Beauvoir, and Raymond Aron discussed phenomenology over apricot cocktails.

It explores how this encounter inspired Sartre to integrate phenomenology into his philosophy, leading to the development of existentialism.

The book follows the lives and philosophies of key existentialists, including Heidegger, Husserl, Camus, and Merleau-Ponty, and discusses themes such as freedom, authenticity, absurdity, and the search for meaning.

It also examines the role of existentialism in post-war liberation movements like anti-colonialism, feminism, and gay rights.

Bakewell interweaves biography and philosophy to make complex ideas accessible and engaging for general readers.