Albert Camus – The Outsider – First UK Edition 1946
£975.00
A first edition, first printing of ‘The Outsider’ published by Hamish Hamilton in 1946. A very good book with one name to the front pastedown. Some fading to the spine of the book and some spotting to the page edges and endpapers – spine faded in places and a small stain to the fore-edge. In a very good unclipped wrapper which has benefitted from some restorative repair to the spine and edges.
The Outsider (also known as The Stranger), written by Albert Camus and published in 1942, is a novel that explores themes of absurdity, existentialism, and the human condition. The story follows Meursault, a detached and emotionally indifferent French-Algerian man, whose life changes dramatically after he commits an unprovoked murder. The novel opens with the death of Meursault’s mother. His seemingly indifferent reaction to her passing—showing little grief and returning quickly to his daily routine—establishes him as an outsider to societal norms. Shortly afterward, he becomes involved in a senseless killing of an Arab man on a beach, which he attributes partly to the blinding sun and partly to random chance.
During his trial, Meursault’s lack of remorse and unconventional outlook on life become the focus. Rather than examining the crime itself, the court condemns him for his indifference and failure to adhere to social expectations. Meursault ultimately rejects any notion of a higher purpose, embracing a universe devoid of inherent meaning. Camus uses Meursault’s character to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, suggesting that life has no objective meaning, and individuals must confront this realisation.
(We don't keep all of our stock in the shop, so send us an email if you're planning a trip to see a particular author or book.)
- Description
Description
A first edition, first printing of ‘The Outsider’ published by Hamish Hamilton in 1946. A very good book with one name to the front pastedown. Some fading to the spine of the book and some spotting to the page edges and endpapers – spine faded in places and a small stain to the fore-edge. In a very good unclipped wrapper which has benefitted from some restorative repair to the spine and edges.Â
The Outsider (also known as The Stranger), written by Albert Camus and published in 1942, is a novel that explores themes of absurdity, existentialism, and the human condition. The story follows Meursault, a detached and emotionally indifferent French-Algerian man, whose life changes dramatically after he commits an unprovoked murder. The novel opens with the death of Meursault’s mother. His seemingly indifferent reaction to her passing—showing little grief and returning quickly to his daily routine—establishes him as an outsider to societal norms. Shortly afterward, he becomes involved in a senseless killing of an Arab man on a beach, which he attributes partly to the blinding sun and partly to random chance.
During his trial, Meursault’s lack of remorse and unconventional outlook on life become the focus. Rather than examining the crime itself, the court condemns him for his indifference and failure to adhere to social expectations. Meursault ultimately rejects any notion of a higher purpose, embracing a universe devoid of inherent meaning. Camus uses Meursault’s character to illustrate his philosophy of the absurd, suggesting that life has no objective meaning, and individuals must confront this realisation.