Jean-Paul Sartre's Anarchist Philosophy

This original and welcome addition to the critical work on Sartre’s political philosophy sets it in the context of an analysis of historical theories of anarchism. Based on a close reading of some of Sartre’s most difficult texts up to and including the Critique of Dialectical Reason (1960), it teases out the different strands which manifest themselves in these works and refuses to go along with accepted interpretations of Sartre’s relationship to Marxism. * Margaret Majumdar, Professor Emeritus of Philosophy, University of Portsmouth, UK * I couldn’t put this beautifully written book down. From its first line onward, it is a rich, page-turner, full of insight, nuanced discussion, erudition, and breadth. Sartre’s affinity to anarchy is well known, especially in his interviews with his godson John (Tito) Gerassi, but his classic early critique of the anarchic consciousness is also often overlooked. This wonderful work brings all together in a breath-taking intellectual and political history, hitting head-on problems of sovereignty, state, and government, distinctions often overlooked in their importance. It’s worth reading beyond one’s interest in Sartre’s thought since, as a work of political intellectual history primarily of English, French, and German anarchism, it stands on its own. There is much at which to applause and with which to disagree or recommend for improvement, which amounts, in sum, and in true attunement with philosophies of anarchy, a work deserving of celebration and reflection—a, in short, must read. * Lewis Gordon, Professor of Philosophy, University of Connecticut, USA * Anyone interested in Sartre’s political theorizing should read Remley’s groundbreaking study. In challenging standard readings that affix Sartre to the hip of Marx and in clearly delineating Sartre’s anarchist influences and commitments, this monograph will change the shape of how we understand Sartre’s political development and mature political thought. * Matthew Eshleman, Associate Professor of Philosophy, University of North Carolina, USA *