Maestros & Monsters: Days & Nights with Susan Sontag & George Steiner

Maestros & Monsters is a memoiristic book and dual portrait that explores the intense friendships between Susan Sontag and George Steiner, two prominent public intellectuals who achieved celebrity status. The book offers a glimpse into their lives, work, and the bizarre encounters between them and other literary figures.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 09 November 2023
Publisher: Mandel Vilar Press

This captivating memoir serves as both a personal narrative and a dual portrait, intricately woven around profound connections with two renowned public intellectuals who attained global fame—Susan Sontag and George Steiner. While Sontag's influence extended far and wide, particularly in the realm of cinema, Steiner's impact was primarily felt in Europe, although he also enjoyed a brief stint in the United States. For audiences enchanted by the works of Woody Allen, Sontag epitomized the concept of an "intellectual," thanks to her renowned 1965 essay "Notes on Camp," which garnered her a vast and devoted following. On the other hand, Steiner emerged as the primary interview show talking head on French, German, and British television, captivating viewers for decades with his thought-provoking insights and controversial opinions. Beyond their public personas, however, Sontag and Steiner were enigmatic figures who exuded an air of omniscience and self-confidence, as if they had fully embraced the words of Nobel laureate Elias Canetti, who famously declared, "I cannot become modest; too many things burn in me."

Maestros & Monsters is the testament of a distinguished public intellectual who had the privilege of forging close friendships with Sontag and Steiner over a span of half a century. Through these encounters, the author was able to bring these remarkable individuals together on several occasions—the sole instances when they ever crossed paths. These encounters rank among the most extraordinary chapters in this narrative, alongside extended interactions with a host of literary luminaries, including Arthur Koestler, Edward Said, Phillip Rieff, James Wood, and many others.

Within the pages of this memoir, the reader is transported into a world of intellectual brilliance, where the boundaries between fame and obscurity blur. Sontag and Steiner, both renowned for their intellectual prowess, possessed an aura of wisdom and self-assurance that left an indelible mark on those fortunate enough to encounter them. Their conversations, filled with profound insights and intellectual sparring, showcased their intellectual prowess and their unwavering commitment to their respective fields.

The author's personal anecdotes and observations provide a deeper understanding of these extraordinary individuals and their relationships. From their early encounters to their final meetings, the author captures the essence of their personalities, their quirks, and their profound impact on the world of ideas. Maestros & Monsters serves as a tribute to the power of friendship, the enduring legacy of intellectual giants, and the enduring influence of their ideas on contemporary society.

In conclusion, this memoir offers a captivating glimpse into the lives and minds of Susan Sontag and George Steiner. Through the author's intimate connections and insightful observations, readers are invited to explore the complexities of these remarkable individuals and their profound contributions to the world of ideas. Maestros & Monsters is a testament to the enduring power of friendship, intellectual brilliance, and the enduring influence of great thinkers on our collective consciousness.

Dimension: 228 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781942134886