Simone Weil as we knew her / Edition 2

by Joseph-Marie Perrin, Gustave Thibon

Overview

Simone Weil (1909-1943) was a defining figure of the twentieth century; a philosopher, Christian (although never baptised), resistance fighter, Labour activist and teacher, described by Albert Camus as 'the only great spirit of our time'. In 1941 Weil was introduced to Father Joseph-Marie Perrin, a Dominican priest whose friendship became a key influence on her life. When Weil asked Perrin for work as a farm hand he sent her to Gustave Thibon, a farmer and Christian philosopher. Weil stayed with the Thibon family, working in the fields and writing the notebooks which became Gravity and Grace and other posthumous works.
Perrin and Thibon met Weil at a time when her spiritual life and creative genius were at their height. During the short but deep period of their acquaintance with her, they came to know her as she actually was. First published in English in 1953, and now introduced by J.P. Little, this unique portrait depicts Weil through the eyes of her friends, not as a strange and unaccountable genius but as an ardent and human person in search of truth and knowledge.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780415306430
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/09/2003
Edition description:	REV
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.44(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

Joseph-Marie Perrin (1905-2002) was a Dominican priest and French Resistance worker. His books include Mary, Mother of Christ and Christians. Gustave Thibon (1903-2001) a native of the Ardèche, received the 'Grand Prix de'l Acadèmie Française for literature in 1964, and for philosophy in 2000. J. P. Little, of St Patrick's University College, Dublin, is author of Simone Weil on Colonialism (2003) and Simone Weil: Waiting on Truth (1988).

Table of Contents

Introduction to the Original Work, Gustave Thibon; Part 1 Simone Weil in Her Religious Search, J.M. Perrin; Chapter 1 Foreword; Chapter 2 Biographical Notes; Chapter 3 Evil and Redemption; Chapter 4 The Question of Baptism; Chapter 5 Faith and Philosophy; Chapter 6 The Church, Mystical and Social; Chapter 7 Syncretism and Catholicity; Chapter 8 Personal Problems; Chapter 9 The Last Months; Chapter 10 Spiritual Significance; Chapter 11 Her Message; Chapter 12 The Great Request; Part 2 Part Two, Gustave Thibon; Chapter 13 How Simone Weil Appeared to Me; Chapter 14 Vertigo of the Absolute; Chapter 15 On the Threshold of the Church;

Editorial Reviews

'This is brilliant writing about a mercurial and paradoxical philosopher.' - The Scientific and Medical Network

' ... it's extremely interesting, challenging and erudite ... Highly recommended if you have an interest in philosophy, syncretism, mysticism or Catholicism ... ' - Jill Szutenberg, York Languages Exchange

From the Publisher