A Friendship in Twilight: Lockdown Conversations on Death and Life

Jack Miles and Mark C. Taylor, renowned public intellectuals and scholars of religion, have spent their lives grappling with ultimate concerns. At the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, they embarked on an extended conversation about living and dying in an imperiled world, culminating in the book "A Friendship in Twilight." In raw and searching letters, they reflect on life during overlapping crises, debating the lessons that a catastrophic present can teach about the future and the importance of philosophical reflection for a wounded world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

In the midst of a pandemic, the fundamental questions of life take on a heightened urgency and become deeply personal. The world has been starkly reminded of the proximity and inevitability of death, with events such as the COVID-19 outbreak, droughts, floods, fires, and political violence serving as grim reminders of our finite existence. Jack Miles and Mark C. Taylor, acclaimed public intellectuals and scholars of religion, have dedicated their lives to grappling with the most profound and existential concerns.

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, Miles and Taylor found themselves confined to their homes, facing an uncertain future. In this challenging time, they embarked on an extended conversation about the essence of life and the challenges of dying in a perilous world. Their plague journal, A Friendship in Twilight, is a raw and introspective collection of letters written daily during the initial lockdowns and the Capitol riot. Through these letters, Miles and Taylor reflect on the experiences of living through overlapping crises, offering insights into the lessons that a catastrophic present can impart about the future and the ways in which we can navigate the complexities of existence.

Amid the menacing presence of the pandemic and the ongoing political turmoil, they engage in spirited debates about the significance of philosophical reflection in a wounded world. They explore why and how philosophical inquiry can provide solace, guidance, and meaning in the face of adversity. The two friends candidly address the vulnerability of their aging bodies and the fragility of American democracy, raising profound questions about the value of life, the impermanence of existence, and the uncertainty of endings. Their conversations seamlessly weave together heartfelt emotion, philosophical speculation, and references to current events, great art, and literature.

A Friendship in Twilight serves as a powerful and moving testament to the fragility of life and the enduring strength of friendship. It reminds us of the importance of cherishing every moment and cultivating meaningful connections with others. Through their profound insights and heartfelt letters, Miles and Taylor invite us to reflect on the mysteries of existence and embrace the beauty of the human experience, even in the face of uncertainty and tragedy.

Weight: 666g
Dimension: 154 x 232 x 34 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231205955