AT THE EXISTENTIALIST CAF

$46.11 USD
Shipping fees will be calculated at checkout.
WARNING: Low Stock Notice
This product sold out 14 times last year. We encourage you totake advantage of the limited sale and buy now.PS: Only available here
WARNING: Low Stock Notice
This product sold out 14 times last year. We encourage you totake advantage of the limited sale and buy now.PS: Only available here
  • Protected payments with trusted providers.

  • Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Packaging

  • Helping build a lifelong reading community.

📚 Carefully Selected Books
🚚 Fast & Reliable Shipping
✅ Authentic Editions
💬 24/7 Dedicated Support

At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • A NEW YORK TIMES TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Written by Sarah Bakewell, At the Existentialist Café: Freedom, Being, and Apricot Cocktails is an engaging, highly acclaimed group biography that weaves together the history of philosophy, biography, and cultural revolution.

The narrative opens in Paris in 1933, over apricot cocktails at the Bec-de-Gaz bar, where Raymond Aron introduces young Jean-Paul Sartre and Simone de Beauvoir to German phenomenology—a philosophy that allows one to make philosophy out of the very cocktail glass in front of them. The book charts how existentialism grew from this intellectual spark into a global cultural phenomenon during and after World War II, shaping modern ideas of freedom, authenticity, personal responsibility, and political activism.

"If you are free, choices must be made. Choice is terrifying, but it is also the source of human dignity."

Core Themes & Philosophical Concepts:

  • Existence Precedes Essence: The core belief that human beings are not born with a fixed purpose; we define our own nature and values through our choices and actions.

  • Radical Freedom & Anxiety (Angst): Recognizing that total freedom brings the terrifying burden of absolute personal responsibility for one's choices.

  • Phenomenology: The study of conscious experience from the first-person point of view—focusing on concrete, lived reality rather than abstract metaphysical theories.

  • Bad Faith (Mauvaise Foi): Deceiving oneself into believing one lacks the freedom to make choices, adopting rigid social roles to escape responsibility.

Key Figures Featured in the Book:

Thinker / Key Figure Core Philosophy / Contribution Notable Works
Jean-Paul Sartre Father of French Existentialism; radical freedom, bad faith, political engagement. Being and Nothingness, Nausea
Simone de Beauvoir Existential feminist ethics; applying freedom to gender and social oppression. The Second Sex, The Ethics of Ambiguity
Albert Camus Philosophy of the Absurd; revolting against life's meaninglessness without despair. The Stranger, The Myth of Sisyphus
Maurice Merleau-Ponty Phenomenology of perception; bodily experience and sensory engagement with the world. Phenomenology of Perception
Martin Heidegger Concept of Dasein ("Being-there"); authentic existence vs. falling into "The They." Being and Time

Perfect For:

  • Philosophy Enthusiasts & Beginners: Readers looking for an accessible, story-driven introduction to 20th-century European thought.

  • History & Biography Lovers: Anyone who enjoys rich cultural histories of interwar and post-WWII Paris, cafe culture, and intellectual circles.

  • Readers Seeking Meaning: Great for fans of popular philosophy works by Alain de Botton, Mark Manson, or Marcus Aurelius.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Story

Bookmere began as a neighborhood bookstore with a simple mission: to help more people discover the joy of reading. Today, we’ve brought that same passion online, making quality books more accessible to readers across the United States.

Our Mission

We believe every book has the power to change a life. Through our Buy 10, Give 1 initiative, for every ten books purchased, we donate one book to children affected by war, poverty, or limited access to education. Because every child deserves the opportunity to read, learn, and dream.

FAQ

Q1. How long does shipping take?

Most orders are processed within 1–3 business days. Delivery typically takes 5–15 business days, depending on your location and the shipping method selected.

Q2. Are all books brand new?

Yes. Unless otherwise stated on the product page, all books sold by Bookmere are new, authentic editions sourced from trusted publishing and distribution partners.

Q3. What if my book arrives damaged?

If your order arrives damaged or you receive the wrong item, please contact our customer support within 7 days of delivery. We’ll work with you to provide a replacement or an appropriate solution.

Q4. Can I return my order?

Yes. We accept returns for eligible items in accordance with our Return Policy. If you need assistance with a return, simply contact our customer support team and we’ll guide you through the process.

Cart

loading