The Mandarins

 Simone de Beauvoir’s roman a clef, The Mandarins, (first published in 1954) concerns a group of philosophers and intellectuals in Paris after the Second World War, and what effect – or lack thereof – their theories might have in shaping Europe in the new era. Being Jean-Paul Sartre’s intellectual and romantic partner put de Beauvoir in the real-world middle of this contest of thought and will.
The cover image on this later edition is a large detail of André Kertész’ photo Quartier Latin, Paris, made in 1926. The figure seated on the staircase is the cousin of Étienne Beöthy, a Hungarian-born (as was Kertész) sculptor living in Paris.

To view an uncropped, vintage version of Kertész’ photo, from the collection of the Museum of Modern Art, click here.