Existentialism For Beginners

I studied existentialism in college as part of a philosophy minor. I also designed and taught an undergraduate course entitled "Topics and Problems on Humanistic/Existential Psychology." You might reasonably conclude that I know something significant about the subject area. So did I until I read David Cogswell's clear, concise and rigorous examination of existentialism, from its precipitating rebellion against the philosophies of Friedrich Hegel to the disarming impact of existentialism on today's arts, politics and culture. Between these two bookends, David Cogswell examines all the great thinkers and writers who have propelled this philosophy, helping his readers understand comparisons and contrasts within such an eclectic group. In this most readable book he accomplishes what my college studies did not: a synthesized, 50,000 ft. overview across two centuries and the work of fifteen great philosophers. What I found to be most remarkable about the author's accomplishment is the extent to which he simplifies an enormous body of writing, teaching his readers fundamentals while not forcing us to wade through nonessential details, digressions and debates (so characteristic of the movement). It takes a keen mind to condense so much information in an accessible and interesting expose, and David Cogswell certainly has accomplished this. The author has done an enormous amount of research to bring life to these philosophers, augmented by interesting historical and biographical details that make them more human--more men and women in the context of the times in which they lived and thought and wrote. Illustrations by collaborator Joe Lee are surprisingly helpful because they invite the reader to think more deeply--a form of "hot medium" that Marshall McLuhan described, requiring active engagement on the part of the receiver to lend interpretation and meaning to the message. My only regret is that the author's book was not available when I was in college so that I could have seen the larger picture and gained deeper appreciation of the whole. The book is well worth reading today for any serious professional focused on contemporary politics, creative arts, sociology, psychology and culture. As you finish the final pages of the book, you will be impressed with how extensively existentialism has pervaded our lives today and how entertainingly this author has taken you on a thought-provoking journey into the most essential questions about human life.

I felt like this was a decent primer on the subject. Pointed me toward some philosophers I might not otherwise have considered. Could have used a few more rounds of editing though. Occasional missing words, typos. Confusing the usage of 'too' and 'to' is a hard one to overlook if it happens more than once.

Basic, informative, easy to read, brief

This popular culture primer in comic book/graphic novel form, 'Existentialism For Beginners', is so well-written with concise and easily understood language and witty illustrations (a picture can certainly be worth more than a thousand words), that it immediately engages and is compellingly readable. This is a great series ('For Beginners') that introduces complex thinkers and concepts and makes them accessible for the general public while imparting real understanding. This particular title in the series is a real winner, explaining from the very beginning that existentialism has meant many things to many people over the years, and right away makes it less intimidating and arouses the curiosity to seek further in the knowledge that you are not alone in not knowing, but can become 'in the know' and at least obtain a good overview and understanding of this very convoluted subject matter and philosophy, in the course of a weekend, entertainingly. Quite enjoyable read, and highly recommended.

I’m enjoying this book. I’m trying to study it rather than read through it quickly. The illustrations and examples are great for new learners. Important information we need to know and teach our children!

It a really basic book, it is good enough to give you an idea about the authors on existentialism are, and some historical background of the movement. It synthesizes, and simplifies many things well done. It is a really good and organized start point for whoever is interested in existentialism. I still feel I don't know anything about it, but at least I have a clear organized idea of how to start reading serious stuff about it.

It is a fairly good beginner's explanation of existentialism.

Do I get college credit for review in the book, since not no review for you. I read this book