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Albert Camus: Biographical Timeline, Facts, and Resources

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Brief Biography of Albert Camus

In 1913 Albert Camus was born in Algeria to a family with very few means. A life-altering event in Camus’ life happened early on when his father was killed during a battle in World War I. After being raised by his grandmother, Camus made the significant decision to work toward a degree in philosophy at a university in Algiers. The Biographical Facts of Albert Camus reveal that in order to help with university expenses he worked at several jobs including positions as a, “..private tutor and car parts clerk..” During the University Years of Albert Camus he was characterized as a, “..young, left-wing intellectual..” In fact, he organized a theater group with some other like-minded students. Camus’ activities and studies at the university were temporarily interrupted by a case of tuberculosis that would follow him through his life time. However, he finally managed to earn his degree in 1936.

During his lifetime, twentieth century French author Albert Camus wrote about the philosophies he intensely believed in. He was always true to the ideas he had a passion for, even at the risk of criticism from his literary peers. His body of work includes several essays, plays, and novels. Late in his career, Albert Camus was honored with a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957.

Timeline, Fun Facts, and Important Events of Albert Camus

There are several Significant Events in the Life of Albert Camus that help to reveal more about him as an individual.

  • In the year 1913 Albert Camus was born in Algeria in a place called Mondovi.
  • Lucien Camus, Albert’s father, was killed in 1914 on a battlefield in France during World War I. Albert, his brother, and his mother Helen moved to a part of Algiers called Belcourt to live with relatives.
  • In the year 1930 after entering the University of Algiers to study philosophy, Camus dealt with a case of tuberculosis and took a break from his studies to recover.
  • Camus married a woman named Simone Hie in 1934. They divorced two years later due to her addiction to morphine.
  • After his university years were complete in 1936, Albert Camus began work on what are referred to as his, “Algerian Essays.”
  • In the year 1937, Camus started a two year term as a member of the writing staff of, “..a socialist paper..” called the Alger-Republicain.
  • Albert Camus moved to Paris in 1940 in search of work as a, “..leftist reporter..” In response to the Nazis marching into France that year, Camus left for Africa. He made great progress on several important pieces in Africa including The Stranger and The Plague. Camus also worked as a teacher there.
  • In 1941 Camus felt impelled to go back to France in order to join a part of the Resistance movement called, “..Combat..”
  • Albert Camus’ novel The Stranger was put into print in 1942.
  • Camus finds himself the editor of a Resistance newspaper called the Parisian Daily Combat in the year 1943.
  • In early June of 1943 Albert Camus meets Jean Paul Sartre and they begin a friendship that will last for many years.
  • The year 1951 saw the publication of Camus’ work The Rebel. Its, “..thoughts on metaphysical, historical, and artistic rebellion..” were vehemently rejected by many of Camus’ contemporaries. This work of writing also led to the break in Camus’ friendship with Sartre.
  • In 1956 Camus’ novel The Fall was put into publication. This novel received accolades from critics.
  • Albert Camus was honored with the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1957.
  • In France, 1960, Albert Camus passes away in an automobile crash.

Resources about the Life of Albert Camus

Many of the facts contained in Albert Camus’ biography will help to reveal more about his influences and how they affected his life.

  • A Look at the Life of Albert Camus: Biographical facts, literary works, and philosophies are just a few of the elements offered about the life of Albert Camus.
  • Influences in Camus’ Life: Discover some of the people and events that influenced Albert Camus during his lifetime.
  • Quotations from Camus: A revealing look at the childhood of Camus along with his thoughts on several different topics such as truth and politics.
  • A Summary of Camus and His Work : Read this summary of Camus’ life and accomplishments.

Resources about the Writings of Albert Camus

A look at the actual writings of Albert Camus and some of the reviews that accompanied them, are helpful in understanding more about the memorable author.

  • Camus’ Writing Reviewed : Peruse several reviews of Albert Camus’ works including The Rebel and Resistance, Rebellion, and Death.
  • Philosophy in Camus’ Writing: A collection of questions to consider as a guide through the work of Albert Camus.
  • Philosophical Ideas and Camus’ Work: A look at the philosophical ideas and messages in Camus’ writings.
  • A Work by Albert Camus: Read the text of a work by Albert Camus entitled, The Guest.
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