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Cover of The Plague
Literary Fiction· France

The Plague

by Albert Camus
Aggregate Editorial Score69/100
★Nobel Prize in Literature
Published 1947278 pagesEnglish
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About This Book

Published in 1947, The Plague established Albert Camus as one of the defining voices in literary fiction. Bubonic plague descends on the Algerian city of Oran, and a doctor records the town's response in Camus's great allegorical novel of solidarity and resistance. Written partly as a response to Nazi occupation, it argues for human fellowship as the only answer to absurdity and death. Its relevance surged again during the COVID-19 pandemic. Themes of plague, solidarity, absurdism run through the work. The book has received recognition from Nobel Prize in Literature 1947.

Book Details

AuthorAlbert Camus
Published1947
Country of Origin🇫🇷 France
LanguageEnglish
Pages278
Category📖 Literary Fiction
ISBN9780679720218
Editorial Score69/100
About the Category

📖 Literary Fiction

Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

Explore all Literary Fiction books →
Country of Origin

🇫🇷 France

This book is part of France's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from France →

Editorial Assessment

Albert Camus published The Plague in 1947, and it has since become one of the more widely recognised works of literary fiction from France. The book's treatment of plague, solidarity, absurdism, death accounts for much of its enduring reputation. The book's place in the literary record rests on its presence across major prize lists and critical surveys. Among its recognitions: Nobel Prize in Literature 1947. Its aggregate editorial score of 69/100 reflects recognition from 1 independent editorial sources, from international prizes to specialist critical journals. Readers coming to The Plague for the first time will find a work that rewards patience. The book's handling of plague, solidarity, absurdism, death is layered rather than didactic, and a second reading often reveals dimensions the first pass only hinted at. Within France's literary landscape, Albert Camus occupies a significant position. The Plague is both a personal artistic statement and a contribution to a tradition shaped by the country's history and cultural concerns.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature
winner · global
194760
✍️
About the Author
Albert Camus
France
View Author →

Albert Camus is a celebrated author from France known for influential works of literary fiction.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Plague about?

Bubonic plague descends on the Algerian city of Oran, and a doctor records the town's response in Camus's great allegorical novel of solidarity and resistance. Written partly as a response to Nazi occupation, it argues for human fellowship as the only answer to absurdity and death. Its relevance surged again during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Who wrote The Plague?

The Plague was written by Albert Camus, from France. First published in 1947.

What awards has The Plague won?

The Plague has received the following awards and honours: Nobel Prize in Literature 1947.

Is The Plague worth reading?

The Plague is a well-regarded book with solid critical recognition, with an aggregate editorial score of 60/100 on 50 Best Books, based on mentions across 1 editorial source. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in plague, solidarity, absurdism.

Where can I buy The Plague?

You can buy The Plague on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Plague?

The Plague is classified as Literary Fiction. Character-driven fiction that prioritises style, theme, and psychological depth.

What country is The Plague from?

The Plague originates from France's literary tradition. Explore more books from France on our country page.

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