I was introduced to both Camus and Sartre via my philosophical studies under Russell Grigg. Consequently, one can't help but draw comparisons, decide which one you "like" - who is smarter? who is more artistic? who is right/wrong etc...
The intellectual quarrel fascinated me, however. The story was put together for me gradually, disseminated throughout book introductions and reading guides. The publication of Ronald Aronson's Camus and Sartre: The friendship and the Quarrel that Ended It was then quite timely, released just when I wanted to know more and just before my birthday.
The book is a really easy read, Aronson has a great understanding of French culture, and seems well versed in the the writings and history of both Sartre and Camus. In order to write this book he interviewed Jeanson (the third man in the quarrel) and this interview is obtainable also (if you are interested). A brilliantly crafted section of the book discusses The Fall, drawing links between some of Camus' offhand comments and his friendship/falling out with Sartre. Truly enthralling!
One did feel at times that the book seemed somewhat of an apology for Sartre, which I think is fair enough - many commentators getting caught up in how his justifications for violence did not stand the test of time.
Reading this prompted me also to buy Sartre and Camus: A Historic Confrontation, which Aronson (in private correspondence with myself - yes, I talk to people) had been asked to write the introduction for, however did not end up having time. Rather than enhancing my reading of the two literary philosophers, I rather found that this topic sparked a separate, parallel interest.
For those interested in a summary of the bout: Sartre was editor for a popular journal called Les Temps Modernes . This journal was becoming increasingly allied with communism (around the time much of the fascist horrors were beginning to surface but before the Russian trials executions etc were well known). Camus, whilst a friend of Sartre, remained independent of the circle of followers Sartre had accumulated. Camus was not too fond of these underlings as their views on politics disagreed with his. He was particularly annoyed when a bad review of one of Arthur Koestler's books came out, a good friend of Camus - i think there was some physical incident with Koestler, Sartre and Camus, maybe Koestler hit Camus or something but I forget - anyway, main thing is: Camus wrote the Rebel, rather than review the book, Sartre asked Jeanssen to do it - probably knowing it would be unfavourable, Camus submitted a scathing response to the review, Sartre and Jeanson published their responses in the following issue. Camus felt betrayed, Sartre was fedup. The end... although when Camus died, Sartre wrote a nice obiturary. Translations of all these letters can be found in Sartre and Camus: A historic confrontation - the two books work quite well together.
