The Family Idiot: Gustave Flaubert, 1821-1857, An Abridged Edition

Jean-Paul Sartre's The Family Idiot: Gustave Flaubert, 1821-1857 is a concise abridgment of his critical analysis of Flaubert, highlighting his existential approach to psychoanalysis and his critique of modernity as nihilistic and demeaning of human dignity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 19 January 2023
Publisher: The University of Chicago Press

From 1981 to 1994, the University of Chicago Press published a comprehensive five-volume translation of Jean-Paul Sartre's monumental work, The Family Idiot: Gustave Flaubert, 1821-1857. This remarkable translation is the result of the tireless efforts of renowned Sartre scholar Joseph Catalano. In this new volume, Catalano offers a concise yet profound abridgment of the original, capturing the essence of Sartre's profound analysis of Flaubert.

Sartre believed that his existential approach to psychoanalysis necessitated the emergence of a new Freud, and in his study of Gustave Flaubert, Sartre himself becomes that Freud. This work serves as a summation of Sartre's overarching objective, which was to unveil the inherent meaning and freedom in human life. Through his examination of Flaubert's work, particularly his iconic novel Madame Bovary, Sartre unleashes a scathing critique of modernity, portraying it as nihilistic and demeaning of human dignity.

Catalano's translation is a testament to his scholarly expertise and dedication to preserving Sartre's intellectual legacy. It provides readers with a accessible and insightful entry point into the world of Sartre's thought, making his profound insights into human existence more accessible to a broader audience. Whether one is a seasoned scholar or a newcomer to Sartre's work, this new volume is an invaluable resource for anyone seeking to deepen their understanding of one of the greatest minds of the twentieth century.

Dimension: 229 x 152 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780226822327
Edition number: Abridged