In a compelling chronicle of her search to understand Beauvoir's philosophy in The Second Sex, Margaret A. Simons offers a unique perspective on BeauvoirOs wide-ranging contribution to twentieth-century thought. She details the discovery of the origins of Beauvoir's existential philosophy in her handwritten diary from 1927; uncovers evidence of the sexist exclusion of Beauvoir from the philosophical canon; reveals evidence that the African-American writer Richard Wright provided Beauvoir with the theoretical model of oppression that she used in The Second Sex; shows the influence of The Second Sex in transforming Sartre's philosophy and in laying the theoretical foundations of radical feminism; and addresses feminist issues of racism, motherhood, and lesbian identity. Simons also draws on her experience as a WomenOs Liberation organizer as she witnessed how women used The Second Sex in defining the foundations of radical feminism. Bringing together her work as both activist and scholar, Simons offers a highly original contribution to the renaissance of Beauvoir scholarship.

"The best cutting-edge introduction to Beauvoir studies today." - The Philadelphia Inquirer

"Beauvior and The Second Sex: Feminism, Race, and the Origins of Existentialism is an important contribution to a genealogy of feminist philosophy and a model for feminist philosophers in its thoughtfulness, fairness, and attention to detail. It chronicles a series of important discoveries and insightful analyses about Beauvior's work, and is likely to inspire more." - Hypatia: A Journal of Feminist Philosophy

"Simon's work has been and continues to be important in the overall understanding of Beauvoir as a philosopher. The significance of this book for Beauvoir scholarship is immense. The significance of this book for continental philosophy in the United States is remarkably great. Simons illustrates the complexity of Beauvoir's philosophy, banishes those who would silence Beauvoir, and brings out the lasting importance of her thought." - Journal of Speculative Philosophy

"In challenging Beauvoir's constructed identity, Simons, by taking up Beauvoir's demand to philosophize from lived experience, secures a place for both Beauvoir and herself within the lived realities of contemporary philosophical and feminist debate." - International Studies in Philosophy