This book comprises an extensive series of analyses which span the respective oeuvres of these, surprisingly paired, world literary masters. The poet and novelist-philosopher, though treated separately, nevertheless prove complementary book-fellows. Notably, both espouse and practice a vigilant attentiveness; the obligation to strive for good by one’s lights, and to create lest history repeat; and on rare occasions, a duty to engage in moral contradiction for a higher cause, though only after the most scrupulous reflection. This book presents the ingenious artistry of both writers and further proves their contemporary relevance, as well as giving readers the ability to look at the works of Milton and Camus through a new lens.

'The literary output of Albert Camus was exceptionally concentrated and well organized, so that each part of it throws light on other parts....Here now, for the first time in a complete English translation, we have Camus' three little volumes of essays, plus a selection of his critical comments on literature and on his own place in it. As might be expected, the main interest of these writings is that they illuminate new facets of his usual subject matter.'-John Weightman, The New York Times Book Review.

Political, religious, philosophical, and literary evaluations of Camus' works.

Often marginalised on the sidelines of both philosophy and literature, the works of Albert Camus have, in recent years, undergone a renaissance. While most readers in either discipline claim Camus and his works to be â ~theirsâ (TM), the scholars presented in this volume tend to see him and his works in both philosophy and literature. This volume is a collection of critical essays by an international menagerie of Camus experts who, despite their interpretive differences, see Camus through both lenses. For them, he is a novelist/essayist who embodies a philosophy that was never fully developed due to his brief life. The essays here examine Camusâ (TM)s first published novel, The Stranger, from a variety of critical and theoretical perspectives, each drawing on the authorâ (TM)s knowledge to present the first known critical examination in English. As such, this volume will shed new light on previous scholarship.