Translated with an Introduction by Martin Turnell. First American edition, later printing. New York: Harper & Brothers, 1962. Both unclipped dust jacket and hardcover are in Very Good condition. Dust jacket designed by Kenneth Farnhill. Jacket has some foxing on front/back. No writing or markings found in the book, 447 pp.
The book presents Blaise Pascal’s profound reflections on religion, philosophy, and the human condition. The Pensées (“Thoughts”) were notes and fragments intended for a larger apologetic work defending Christianity, left unfinished at Pascal’s death in 1662. In this translation, Turnell offers a readable, modern English rendering of Pascal’s incisive thoughts, supported by a thoughtful introduction that contextualizes Pascal’s life, faith, and intellectual legacy. The work covers themes such as reason versus faith, the nature of humanity, the limits of knowledge, and the famous “wager” argument for belief in God.
