The Wall
(Author) Jean-Paul SartreFirst published in 1939, a few years before his most influential works in theatre and philosophy, The Wall was Sartre's first and only collection of short fiction. The title piece tells the story of a prisoner during the Spanish Civil War, on the eve of his execution by a firing squad, who is told he will be spared if he can betray the whereabouts of a fellow Republican. This leads him to question his cause and his loyalty, as the mental torment that he and two other inmates endure unfolds in unflinching detail. This collection, which also includes 'The Bedoom', 'Herostratus' and 'Intimacy' - short psychological tales in which individuals grapple with questions of madness, sexuality and death - as well as 'The Childhood of a Leader', the extended chronicle of a young man's emotional deterioration and embrace of Fascism, provides a fascinating and accessible introduction to the author who would become the figurehead of Existentialism.
Jean-Paul Sartre
Jean-Paul Sartre (1905-1980) was a French philosopher, novelist, and playwright known for his existentialist philosophy. His most notable works include "Being and Nothingness" and "No Exit". Sartre's literary style is characterized by complex language, deep exploration of human consciousness, and questions of freedom and responsibility. He is credited with popularizing existentialism and has had a significant impact on the literary genre. His most famous work, "Being and Nothingness", explores the concept of existence and the individual's struggle to define themselves in an indifferent world. Sartre's contributions to literature have made him a towering figure in 20th-century philosophy and literature.