Susan Sontag

Franklin Library Susan Sontag books

The Volcano Lover - signed first edition - 1992
In America - signed first edition - 2000

 

Susan Sontag biography

Susan Sontag, a towering figure in 20th-century intellectual and cultural discourse, was born on January 16, 1933, in New York City, USA, and passed away on December 28, 2004. Throughout her life, she made significant contributions as a writer, critic, filmmaker, and political activist, leaving an indelible mark on the fields of literature, philosophy, and social commentary. Growing up in Manhattan, Sontag displayed an early passion for literature and the arts. She attended the University of California, Berkeley, and later transferred to the University of Chicago, where she graduated with a degree in philosophy. Her voracious appetite for knowledge led her to pursue graduate studies at Harvard University and the University of Oxford, where she delved into subjects ranging from literature to theology.

Sontag's career as a writer and cultural critic began to flourish in the 1960s with the publication of her groundbreaking essays, which challenged conventional thinking and explored complex themes such as the nature of art, the role of the intellectual, and the intersection of politics and culture. Her essay collection Against Interpretation (1966) catapulted her to literary prominence, establishing her as a leading voice in the avant-garde intellectual scene of the time.

Throughout her career, Sontag fearlessly tackled controversial subjects and engaged with pressing social and political issues. She was a vocal critic of American involvement in the Vietnam War and apartheid in South Africa, and she lent her support to various human rights causes around the world. Her activism was inseparable from her writing, as she used her platform to advocate for justice and moral clarity in the face of injustice and oppression. Sontag's literary output encompassed a wide range of genres, including novels, essays, short stories, and plays. Her novels, such as The Benefactor (1963) and The Volcano Lover (1992), demonstrated her narrative prowess and philosophical depth, while her essays, collected in works like On Photography (1977) and Illness as Metaphor (1978), showcased her incisive intellect and keen analytical skills.

In addition to her written work, Sontag made significant contributions to the world of film, directing and producing several documentaries and experimental films. Her multidisciplinary approach to art and culture reflected her belief in the interconnectedness of different forms of expression and the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives. Susan Sontag's legacy continues to inspire scholars, writers, and activists around the world. Her commitment to intellectual inquiry, her fearless pursuit of truth and justice, and her unparalleled literary talent have cemented her status as one of the most influential thinkers of her generation, whose ideas and insights remain as relevant today as ever.