On Consolation: Finding Solace in Dark Times

In the face of loss, tragedy, and crisis, writers, composers, and artists have sought solace through their work. Michael Ignatieff's book, "On Consolation," explores how this search for consolation has evolved and offers examples from writers, artists, and musicians across different times and cultures. It contends that we can revive these traditions of consolation to meet the challenges of the twenty-first century.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2022
Publisher: Pan Macmillan

This captivating exploration delves into the profound quest of writers, composers, and artists to find solace in the face of loss, tragedy, and crisis. Drawing from the insights of historian and Booker Prize-shortlisted novelist Michael Ignatieff, the book offers a timely and moving testament to the enduring human need for consolation.

The survey presented in this erudite and heartfelt work serves as a reminder that the desire for comfort is timeless, as are the inspiring words and examples of those who have traversed this path before us. It explores the historical context in which the language of consolation once thrived, primarily within the realm of priests and philosophers. However, as time has progressed, this language has gradually faded from our modern vocabulary, and the places traditionally offering solace, such as houses of religion, have often become empty.

In the face of this shift, humanity has turned to science, ideology, and the therapeutic as sources of consolation. However, the book raises important questions: How do we console each other and ourselves in an age of unbelief? How can we revive the traditions of consolation to meet the anguish and uncertainties of the twenty-first century?

To answer these questions, Michael Ignatieff presents a series of portraits of writers, artists, and musicians who have sought solace in the face of extremity. Drawing from a diverse range of sources, including the books of Job and Psalms, Albert Camus, Anna Akhmatova, and Primo Levi, Ignatieff showcases how men and women in times of crisis have looked to each other across time for hope and resilience. By recreating the moments when great figures found the courage to confront their fate and the determination to continue unafraid, On Consolation takes these stories into the present, compellingly arguing that we can revive these traditions of consolation to meet the challenges of our time.

Through his insightful analysis and captivating storytelling, Michael Ignatieff offers a profound exploration of the human condition and the power of consolation to heal and inspire. This book is a valuable resource for anyone seeking solace in the face of adversity, reminding us of the enduring human need for connection, understanding, and hope.

Weight: 220g
Dimension: 129 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529053791