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John Gerassi on the Contradictions of Sartre.

John Gerassi (jer-assy), former journalist, currently a professor of political science at Queens College of the City University of New York. He's written an unusual biography of Jean-Paul Sartre. Gerassi is Sartre's official biographer and was a personal friend, yet he is neither totally objective or uncritical. The book includes Gerassi's own observations as well as material culled from over 100 hours of interviews with Sartre and complete access to Sartre's papers.

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Other segments from the episode on September 29, 1989

Fresh Air with Terry Gross, September 29, 1989: Interview with Arthur Penn; Commentary on Thelonious Monk; Interview with John Gerassi; Review of the film "The Elements of Style."
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03:32

"The Elements of Style" on Home Video.

Language commentator Geoffrey Nunberg reviews a new video version of Strunk and White's "The Elements of Style," featuring CBS newsman Charles Osgood. (re-broadcast from 3/15/89).

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03:53

Two New Biographies on Jean-Paul Sartre

Book critic John Leonard says that Annie Cohen-Solal's examination of the philosopher's life is both thoughtful and exhaustive. Ronald Hayman, on the other hand, seeks to tear down the French writer, to unclear ends.

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46:53

Bair On de Beauvoir.

Deirdre Bair is known for her biography of playwright Samuel Beckett, "Samuel Beckett: A Biography." She is now the "designated" (not "official") biographer for French feminist and writer Simone de Beauvoir. She recently interviewed de Beauvoir for the first time in Paris, and joins the show to discuss their conversation.

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