Explains Cormac McCarthy's consistent philosophical preoccupations across the span of his literary output Provides a vital interpretive framework for understanding Cormac McCarthy's literary and philosophical perspectives Offers a systematic study of distinctly philosophical themes present in Cormac McCarthy's work Analyses how Cormac McCarthy offers a unique synthesis of metaphysical and materialist themes Explains the intersection of philosophical and literary themes in McCarthy's work in an accessible way This book explores Cormac McCarthy's literature (novels, plays, screenplays, philosophical essays and unpublished archive material) to uncover a distinct literary philosophy. More specifically, this study elucidates how McCarthy articulates a philosophical perspective which pivots on philosophical themes of mortality, the political, education, nihilism, materialism and language. Tracing these themes from the publication of his earliest novels to his most recent philosophical essays, this book argues that McCarthy offers a unique synthesis of spiritual, ethical and materialist concerns, the understanding of which is essential for coming to terms with his literature.