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Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' Joins Prestigious Pléiade Collection on 40th Anniversary of Her Death

publication · 2026-03-25

Simone de Beauvoir's foundational feminist work 'The Second Sex' has been added to the prestigious Pléiade collection by publisher Gallimard. The inclusion coincides with the 40th anniversary of the philosopher and novelist's death. Originally published in 1949, the book was banned by the Vatican in 1956 for contradicting Catholic doctrine. The comprehensive text examines history, biology, psychology, sociology, and literature while challenging traditional views on women's roles. Gallimard is also releasing additional works by Beauvoir to mark this occasion.

Key facts

  • Simone de Beauvoir's 'The Second Sex' entered the Pléiade collection on March 26
  • This coincides with the 40th anniversary of Beauvoir's death in 1986
  • The book was originally published by Gallimard in 1949
  • The Vatican banned the work in 1956 for opposing Catholic teachings
  • The text covers multiple disciplines including history, biology, and literature

Entities

Artists

Institutions

  • Gallimard
  • Vatican

Locations

  • Paris

Sources