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Camus at Combat: Writing 1944-1947

albert camus arthur goldhammer david carroll jacqueline lévi-valensi

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Paris is firing all its ammunition into the August night. Against a vast backdrop of water and stone, on both sides of a river awash with history, freedom’s barricades are once again being erected. Once again justice must be redeemed with men’s blood.

Albert Camus (1913-1960) wrote these words in August 1944, as Paris was being liberated from German occupation. Although best known for his novels including The Stranger and The Plague, it was his vivid descriptions of the horrors of the occupation and his passionate defense of freedom that in fact launched his public fame.

Now, for the first time in English, Camus at ‘Combat’ presents all of Camus’ World War II resistance and early postwar writings published in Combat, the resistance newspaper where he served as editor-in-chief and editorial writer between 1944 and 1947.

These 165 articles and editorials show how Camus’ thinking evolved from support of a revolutionary transformation of postwar society to a wariness of the radical left alongside his longstanding strident opposition to the reactionary right. These are poignant depictions of issues ranging from the liberation, deportation, justice for collaborators, the return of POWs, and food and housing shortages, to the postwar role of international institutions, colonial injustices, and the situation of a free press in democracies. The ideas that shaped the vision of this Nobel Prize-winning novelist and essayist are on abundant display.

More than fifty years after the publication of these writings, they have lost none of their force. They still speak to us about freedom, justice, truth, and democracy.

384 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1,1947

This edition

Format
384 pages, Hardcover
Published
January 16, 2006 by Princeton University Press
ISBN
9780691120041
ASIN
0691120048
Language
French

More editions

About the author

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albert camus

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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

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Rating(3.8 / 5.0, 23 votes)
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23 reviews All reviews
Profile Image for Kimberly .
nuhahha
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Camus speaks with remarkable clarity and reason.

His articles offer an eloquent and in-depth exploration of World War 2.

He delves into the various aspects of the war, painting a vivid picture of the events that unfolded.

Not only does he describe the war itself, but he also examines the profound problems it has caused.

These include social, political, and economic upheavals that have had a lasting impact on the world.

Camus' writing is a valuable contribution to our understanding of this complex and tragic period in history.

His insights and analysis help us to better appreciate the magnitude of the war and the importance of learning from its mistakes.

Overall, his articles provide a thought-provoking and engaging look at World War 2 and its aftermath.

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MrLiannon
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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A unique selection of Camus' work is presented here, which is full of historical and biographical significances. It encompasses a wide range of aspects. Occupation coverage is included, providing insights into the various occupations Camus was involved in. Additionally, it delves into post-war politics, not only in France but also in Spain, Germany, and the United States. The work showcases Camus' evolving positions on Algerian colonialism and Cold War politics. His philosophical transition is also a key focus. From being a mid-period socialist revolutionary, he later developed into a late-period pacifist and anti-historicist, a transformation that is further explored in "The Rebel." This collection offers a comprehensive look at Camus' life and work, highlighting the important events and ideas that shaped his intellectual journey.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
RiaBirdx3
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Four stars is an average of the various elements at play here.

The introductory essay by the translator is an effortless 5/5. For those who are delving into the study of Camus or have an interest in the evolution of his philosophy during the mid-40s, it is indeed a straightforward 5/5. It serves as an essential historical document for English-speaking fans of Camus. However, the essays themselves are extremely diverse in terms of both their level of interest and quality. Some of them rank among my all-time favorite pieces written by Camus, especially the editorial he penned just two days after the Hiroshima incident. Nevertheless, a significant portion of it, particularly in the years 1944 - 45, consists of rather vague polemics. If we simply read through it without taking into account the historical context, it would probably rate a 2 or 3/5.

This complex combination of strengths and weaknesses in the collection makes it a somewhat challenging but still worthwhile read for those interested in Camus' works and the historical period in which they were written.
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RMB2
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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One of the most significant books in history.

The resistant articles of Camus from 1944 to 1947 in the newspaper "Combat" constitute a huge contribution not only to political commentary and combative journalism - the truly combative one - but also to democracy and the anti-fascist/anti-Nazi struggle.

A brilliant mind with a fiery word.

A necessary book.

4.5/5

This work by Camus is truly remarkable. It offers profound insights into the political and social landscape of that time. The articles are not just words on paper; they are a call to action, a rallying cry for those who oppose fascism and Nazism. Camus' writing is powerful and passionate, and it has the ability to move readers and inspire them to take a stand.

The book is not only important for its historical significance but also for its relevance today. In a world where democracy and human rights are still under threat, Camus' words serve as a reminder of the importance of standing up for what is right. It is a must-read for anyone who is interested in politics, history, or social justice.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
Yusaaann
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Camus was an uncompromising moral voice. His editorials were a unique form of opinion journalism that is rarely seen today. They were filled with heart and soul, focusing more on principle than on policy. Camus was deeply knowledgeable about the realities of post-war France, and this understanding shone through in his writing.


What made Camus's editorials truly remarkable was his excellent writing. He had a gift for expressing complex ideas in a clear and engaging way, making his work accessible to a wide audience. His words had the power to move and inspire, and they continue to resonate with readers today.


In a world where so much journalism is driven by politics and profit, Camus's editorials serve as a reminder of the importance of speaking truth to power and坚守道德原则. They are a testament to his integrity and his commitment to making a difference in the world.

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Profile Image for Kimberly .
allennea
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Albert Camus writes with a passionate and crystal-clear style about the French resistance and the process of reconstruction that took place after the defeat of fascism. His words are not confined to the context of his own era; they resonate deeply in our time as well.

He emphasizes that deputies and political parties should cultivate a certain degree of modesty, which is an essential requirement for healthy and genuine democracies. After all, a true democrat is someone who acknowledges the possibility that their adversary could be right. As a result, they allow their opponents to express their views and are willing to consider their arguments seriously. However, when parties and individuals become so dogmatically convinced by their own positions that they are prepared to use violence to silence those who hold different opinions, the very essence of democracy ceases to exist.

Camus's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of maintaining an open and inclusive democratic spirit in the face of ideological differences.
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Dangerous_Boy
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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Camus' philosophy and writings in the newspaper Combat are of great significance and highly relevant in today's context.

During the difficult times of the resistance, writing in such a publication was extremely dangerous. If the author was discovered, it could have led to death.

I firmly concur with Camus' view that the news should be sustained solely by the revenue from the readership. Although I am aware that this may seem impossible in the real world, I firmly believe that "news" should be free from advertising and sponsors.

The moment a financial deal is struck between the media and a company, the essence of a "free press" vanishes.

In world relations, Camus' greatest concern was silence. The most terrifying scenario he could envision for the world was the loss of a free press and a situation where opposing ideologies believe there is no need for dialogue.

Regrettably, in modern politics, we are either already in or very close to such a reality.

Kristi & Abby Tabby.
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Profile Image for Kimberly .
AktifAF
★ ★ ★ ★ ★
July 15,2025
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The original article:
This is a short article. It needs to be rewritten and expanded.

The rewritten and expanded article:

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This would make it more interesting for the readers and help them better understand the subject matter.

Overall, with careful rewriting and expansion, this article can be transformed into a more substantial and valuable piece of writing.
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