The Plague, The Fall, Exile and the Kingdom, and Selected Essays

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From one of the most brilliant and influential thinkers of the twentieth century–two novels, six short stories, and a pair of essays in a single volume. In both his essays and his fiction, Albert Camus (1913—1960) de-ployed his lyric eloquence in defense against despair, providing an affirmation of the brave assertion of humanity in the face of a universe devoid of order or meaning.

The Plague–written in 1947 and still profoundly relevant–is a riveting tale of horror, survival, and resilience in the face of a devastating epidemic. The Fall (1956), which takes the form of an astonishing confession by a French lawyer in a seedy Amsterdam bar, is a haunting parable of modern conscience in the face of evil. The six stories of Exile and the Kingdom (1957) represent Camus at the height of his narrative powers, masterfully depicting his characters–from a renegade missionary to an adulterous wife –at decisive moments of revelation. Set beside their fictional counterparts, Camus’s famous essays “The Myth of Sisyphus” and “Reflections on the Guillotine” are all the more powerful and philosophically daring, confirming his towering place in twentieth-century thought.

656 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,2004

About the author

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Works, such as the novels The Stranger (1942) and The Plague (1947), of Algerian-born French writer and philosopher Albert Camus concern the absurdity of the human condition; he won the Nobel Prize of 1957 for literature.

Origin and his experiences of this representative of non-metropolitan literature in the 1930s dominated influences in his thought and work.

He also adapted plays of Pedro Calderón de la Barca, Lope de Vega, Dino Buzzati, and Requiem for a Nun of William Faulkner. One may trace his enjoyment of the theater back to his membership in l'Equipe, an Algerian group, whose "collective creation" Révolte dans les Asturies (1934) was banned for political reasons.

Of semi-proletarian parents, early attached to intellectual circles of strongly revolutionary tendencies, with a deep interest, he came at the age of 25 years in 1938; only chance prevented him from pursuing a university career in that field. The man and the times met: Camus joined the resistance movement during the occupation and after the liberation served as a columnist for the newspaper Combat.

The essay Le Mythe de Sisyphe (The Myth of Sisyphus), 1942, expounds notion of acceptance of the absurd of Camus with "the total absence of hope, which has nothing to do with despair, a continual refusal, which must not be confused with renouncement - and a conscious dissatisfaction."
Meursault, central character of L'Étranger (The Stranger), 1942, illustrates much of this essay: man as the nauseated victim of the absurd orthodoxy of habit, later - when the young killer faces execution - tempted by despair, hope, and salvation.

Besides his fiction and essays, Camus very actively produced plays in the theater (e.g., Caligula, 1944).

The time demanded his response, chiefly in his activities, but in 1947, Camus retired from political journalism.

Doctor Rieux of La Peste (The Plague), 1947, who tirelessly attends the plague-stricken citizens of Oran, enacts the revolt against a world of the absurd and of injustice, and confirms words: "We refuse to despair of mankind. Without having the unreasonable ambition to save men, we still want to serve them."

People also well know La Chute (The Fall), work of Camus in 1956.

Camus authored L'Exil et le royaume (Exile and the Kingdom) in 1957. His austere search for moral order found its aesthetic correlative in the classicism of his art. He styled of great purity, intense concentration, and rationality.

Camus died at the age of 46 years in a car accident near Sens in le Grand Fossard in the small town of Villeblevin.

Chinese 阿尔贝·加缪

Community Reviews

Rating(4 / 5.0, 64 votes)
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64 reviews All reviews
July 15,2025
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The Plague 4/5

It is a profound work that delves into the human condition during a devastating epidemic. Camus masterfully描绘s the fear, isolation, and struggle of the characters.



The Fall 5/5

This novel is a complex exploration of guilt and self-reflection. The protagonist's journey of moral descent is both captivating and thought-provoking.



Exile and the Kingdom 4/5

A collection of short stories that展现s Camus' unique perspective on themes such as alienation, longing, and the search for meaning in life.



Myth of Sisyphus 4.5/5

Camus' philosophical essay that examines the absurdity of human existence and the need to find meaning in the face of it. His ideas are both challenging and inspiring.



Reflections on the Guillotine 5/5

A powerful and passionate indictment of the death penalty. Camus argues against its inhumanity and calls for a more just and merciful society.



Camus is amazing.

His works continue to resonate with readers today, offering insights into the human experience that are as relevant now as they were when he wrote them. His unique blend of philosophy, literature, and social commentary makes him one of the most important writers of the 20th century.

July 15,2025
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The translation is extremely absurd. We only read about the plague and the myth of Sisyphus, as well as two stories from exile. These are very interesting and thought-provoking topics. The plague can make us think about the power of nature and the fragility of human life. The myth of Sisyphus shows us the meaninglessness of human effort and the importance of perseverance. And the stories from exile can let us understand the pain and struggle of those who are forced to leave their homeland. However, the absurd translation makes it difficult for us to fully understand and appreciate these works. We hope that the translator can do a better job in the future and provide us with more accurate and beautiful translations.

July 15,2025
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Reading for an adult learning class on Camus' short stories "Exile and the Kingdom" is a truly enriching experience.

These works, which straddle the realms of literature and philosophy, remain remarkably relevant and challenging even today. Camus' exploration of themes such as alienation, the search for meaning, and the human condition is both profound and thought-provoking.

The stories are exquisitely crafted, with Camus' masterful use of language and his ability to create vivid and memorable characters. Through his words, we are transported into a world that is both familiar and strange, where we are forced to confront our own beliefs and values.

Studying these short stories in an adult learning class allows for in-depth discussions and interpretations, as students bring their own life experiences and perspectives to the table. It is a chance to engage with some of the greatest works of literature and philosophy, and to gain a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us.

Overall, reading Camus' "Exile and the Kingdom" is a rewarding and enlightening experience that is not to be missed.
July 15,2025
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Camus' "THE FALL" continues to haunt. It is like a lingering specter that refuses to fade away.

It is the ghost of Augustinianism, carrying with it the weight and essence of that philosophical and theological tradition.

Moreover, it is itself haunted by an Augustinian option, as if there is an underlying choice or alternative within the text that is deeply influenced by Augustinian thought.

The story seems to be constantly grappling with the ideas and concepts put forth by Augustine, exploring themes such as guilt, responsibility, and the nature of human existence.

Camus' masterful writing in "THE FALL" draws the reader in and forces them to confront these profound and often uncomfortable questions.

The novel's enduring power lies in its ability to make us think about our own lives and the choices we make, and to show us the complex and often contradictory nature of the human psyche.

Even today, long after its initial publication, "THE FALL" continues to be a relevant and thought-provoking work that challenges us to look deeper within ourselves and question the assumptions and beliefs that shape our lives.
July 15,2025
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Yes, I read this to fit into the 2020 mindset.

Interestingly, despite my love of Camus, I had not read The Plague previously.

This book has truly made an impact on me.

The story of the plague in the city and the various characters' experiences and reactions is both profound and thought-provoking.

It makes me reflect on our own lives and the challenges we face.

As a result, I can see myself rereading this book every year.

Each time, I believe I will gain new insights and a deeper understanding of the human condition.

The Plague has become a significant work for me, and I am grateful to have finally discovered it.

I look forward to exploring more of Camus' works in the future.
July 15,2025
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The Plague is, and always will be, one of the finest pieces of literature for me.

The characters in the story are so vividly portrayed that they seem to come alive right before our eyes. Each one has their own unique personality, motives, and struggles, which makes them highly relatable.

The setting of Oran also plays a crucial role in enhancing the overall atmosphere of the narrative. The nonchalance and monotony that surround the plague add a sense of realism and authenticity to the story. It makes us feel as if we are actually there, experiencing the horrors and uncertainties of the epidemic along with the characters.

Camus’ writing is truly remarkable. His eloquence and brevity are unparalleled, allowing him to convey complex emotions and ideas in a concise and powerful manner. It is always a pleasure to revisit his works, as they offer new insights and perspectives with each reading.

In conclusion, The Plague is not just a work of literature; it is a masterpiece that will continue to be relevant and influential for generations to come.
July 15,2025
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I have only read the introduction.

It seems that the introduction provides a brief overview of the main topic. However, to fully understand the content and gain a comprehensive perspective, it is necessary to read the entire article.

By reading the remaining sections, I can expect to learn more about the details, arguments, and evidence presented.

This will help me form a more informed opinion and have a deeper understanding of the subject matter.

Additionally, reading the full article may also uncover additional insights and connections that I might have missed in the introduction.

Overall, while the introduction has piqued my interest, I look forward to delving into the rest of the article to further explore and expand my knowledge.
July 15,2025
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Camus' collection of works is truly remarkable.

It contains a great many of his important pieces, excluding perhaps only "The Outsider". Reading his stories in the context of his absurdist philosophy, which is included as "The Myth of Sisyphus", is a fascinating experience.

I will have to reread that essay with great care as it is extremely dense. The main idea that had the greatest impact on me was his proposal to live in a state of tension between man and the (meaningless) universe, rather than attempting to escape this state, for example, by turning to God or through suicide.

The mid-century seems to be that transitional point from a religious to a non-religious era, with the accompanying problems that this generation of philosophers endeavored to solve. The absurdist (and existential philosophy) was one such answer.

It is also interesting to note how he argues against the death penalty from that perspective. Instead of being a form of mortal justice, the death penalty is seen as a practical means of maintaining order in society, yet it places justice in the hands of God.

This collection of Camus' works offers a profound exploration of his ideas and their implications for our understanding of the human condition.
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