The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019-2022

The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019-2022 is a collection of the complete last essays of acclaimed writer Peter Schjeldahl, the great New Yorker art critic and Pulitzer Prize finalist. It includes his widely read autobiographical essay "The Art of Dying" and 46 other pieces he wrote for the magazine before his death in October 2022. These essays reflect Schjeldahl's hard-won reflections on art and life during an intensely anxious period in America, spanning the pandemic, George Floyd protests, 2020 presidential election, and the war in Ukraine.

Format: Hardback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 23 May 2024
Publisher: Abrams

The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019-2022 is a captivating collection of the complete final essays written by acclaimed writer Peter Schjeldahl, the esteemed New Yorker art critic and Pulitzer Prize finalist. This remarkable compilation, curated by Steve Martin and introduced by Jarrett Earnest, offers a profound glimpse into the mind and soul of Schjeldahl as he grapples with the imminent threat of lung cancer and the precious time he has been granted.

In his widely read autobiographical essay titled "The Art of Dying," published in December 2019, Schjeldahl disclosed that he had been diagnosed with lung cancer and was given a mere six months to live by his oncologist. However, against all odds, his experimental treatment showed promising signs of improvement, giving him an unexpected extension of time. He expressed his gratitude for these extra months, vowing to make the most of them.

The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019-2022, takes readers on a journey through Schjeldahl's introspective reflections on art and life, set against the backdrop of an intensely anxious period in America. Spanning the pandemic, the George Floyd protests, the 2020 presidential election, and the war in Ukraine, these last works encapsulate Schjeldahl's profound insights and observations on the world of art during these turbulent three years.

As the preeminent art writer of his generation, Schjeldahl approached his writing with an unparalleled generosity and openness, sharing his deep knowledge and passion for the art world with his readers. In these final essays, he delves into the complexities of artistic expression, the power of art to connect people, and the enduring relevance of art in times of crisis.

Through his words, Schjeldahl invites us to reflect on our own lives and the role that art plays in shaping our understanding of the world. He challenges us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the art we encounter, to seek out new perspectives, and to embrace the transformative power of art.

The Art of Dying: Writings, 2019-2022 is a testament to the enduring legacy of Peter Schjeldahl as a writer and thinker. It is a must-read for anyone who appreciates the power of art to inspire, challenge, and enrich our lives.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 161 x 236 x 30 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781419773242