"Existentialism For Beginners" is a lighthearted romp through the history of a philosophical movement that had broad-reaching influence on Western culture, politics and the arts during the period of mid-19th century through the late 20th century, and still exerts influence in the 21st century. Tracing its beginning with close-up views of seminal 19th century writers like Kierkegaard, Dostoevsky and Nietzsche, "Existentialism For Beginners" follows the trail of existential thought and literature through 20th century German philosophers Jaspers and Heidegger, and finally through to the flowering of the movement in Postwar France brought forth by Jean Paul Sartre, Albert Camus, Simone de Beauvoir and beyond.
With dazzling, gritty illustrations "Existentialism For Beginners" takes an affectionate, good-humored look at a style of thinking that, while pervasive in influence, has often been seen as obscure, difficult, cryptic and dark. "Existentialism For Beginners" helps to draw the movement's many diverse elements together to create a palatable introduction for people who have always had difficulty defining or understanding existentialism, and an enjoyable historical review packed with richly fascinating quotes from existentialism's most notable purveyors for those who are already appreciators of existentialism.

Noam Chomsky has written over 30 books, he is the most-quoted author on earth, the "New York Times" calls him "arguably the most important intellectual alive" -- yet most people have no idea who he is or what he's about.
"Chomsky For Beginners" tells you what he's about: Chomsky is known for his work in two distinct areas -- Linguistics and... "gadflying." ("Gadfly," the word applied to Socrates. comes closest to the constant social irritant that Chomsky has become.) It is Chomsky's work as Political Gadfly and Media Critic that has given passion and hope to the general public -- and alienated the Major Media -- which, of course, is why you don't know more about him.
Chomsky's message is very simple: Huge corporations run our country, the world, both political parties, and Major Media. (You suspected it; Chomsky proves it.) If enough people open their minds to what he has to say, the whole gingerbread fantasy we've been fed about America might vanish like the Emperor's clothes...and America might turn into a real Democracy.
What's so special about "Chomsky For Beginners"? The few existing intros to Chomsky cover either Chomsky-the-Linguist of Chomsky-the-Political-Gadfly. "Chomsky For Beginners" covers both -- plus an exclusive interview with the maverick genius. The clarity of David Cogswell's text and the wit of Paul Gordon's illustrations make Chomsky as easy to understand as the genius next door. Words and art combine to clarify (but not oversimplify) the work and to "humorize" the man who may very well be what one savvy interviewer called him -- "the smartest man on earth."