Committed to the political causes of her time, intellectually brilliant and a pioneer in the fight for women's rights and freedom, Simone de Beauvoir is one of the most important thinkers of the 20th century. This wonderfully illustrated book traces the life of Simone de Beauvoir from her five years until her meeting with Jean-Paul Sartre. It reveals her years of learning, her passion for letters and knowledge, her conflicts and searches, as well as her deep convictions, which will be reflected both in her personal life and in her writings.