Presence and Immortality

Pittsburgh, PA: Duquesne University Press. Near Fine in Very Good dust jacket. 1967. First American Edition. Hardcover. First Edition USA (1967) ; unstated. Near Fine in Very Good+ DJ: Book shows a barely discernible thumb-smudge at the fore-edge; bottom edge of cloth-covered boards show faintest shelf-soiling; the binding is square and secure; the text is clean. Free of creased or dog-eared pages in the text. Free of any underlining, hi-lighting or marginalia or marks in the text. Free of ownership names, dates, addresses, notations, inscriptions, stamps, or labels. A handsome copy, structurally sound and tightly bound, showing minor unobtrusive imperfections. Bright and clean. Close to 'As New'. The DJ shows moderate wear at head and heel of the backstrip; mildrubbing and faint consequent soiling to the white background field of the rear panel; the price has been clipped; mylar-protected. Remains attractive, but not without flaw. NOT a Remainder, Book-Club, or Ex-Library copy. 8vo. (8.25 x 5.25 x 1.15 inches. Translated by Michael A. Machado and subsequently revised by Henry J. Koren. Language: English. Weight: 18.3 ounces. Hardback with DJ. Contains Marcel's Metaphysical Journal, 1932-1943, the text of two conferences, one on the general characteristics of his philosophy, the other on presence and immortality, and a fragment of a play which has a bearing on his metaphysical journal. Presence and Immortality brings Marce's philosophy to light as a search, “a finding one’s way, ” an endeavor which achieves a profound unity despite the seemingly haphazard nature of its process. The diary excerpts—Metaphysical Journals—offer a broad overview of the central features of Marcel’s thought and serve as the backdrop for the title essay, which takes up a problem central to the human experience: the death of a loved one. The volume’s concluding element, the unfinished play entitled The Unfathomable, emphasizes the profound connection between drama and philosophy in the mind of Marcel. Through its series of introspective, impressionistic reflections on life and death, Presence and Immortality offers significant insight into the multiform themes and variations of Marcel’s philosophy. ; 8vo 8" - 9" tall; 284 pages; Not Inscribed or Signed by Author. .