George Steiner

Jan 21, 2025 | laphamsquarterly.org | George Steiner |Howard Singerman |Andrew Delbanco |Jamie James

In the West, the notion of “literacy” is inseparable from the growth of monasticism and church schools after the decay of the Roman Empire. To be “literate” signified the ability to read Scripture, to form letters on the page. This capacity, often rudimentary, defined the cleric and the clerk, these two designations being closely related.

Oct 11, 2024 | laphamsquarterly.org | Stephen Marche |Bruce Bawer |George Steiner

1) The owners of Esther’s Haircutting Studio, the salon in Tarzana, California, where Britney Spears shaved herself bald in 2007, knew immediately that the relics of her breakdown were sacred. The sweepings from their floor, along with a blue lighter and the half can of Red Bull the star had left behind, went on auction a few days later with a reserve of one million dollars. The bidding may have started too low.

Apr 4, 2024 | laphamsquarterly.org | Andrew Delbanco |George Steiner

On my campus is a handsome domed building with these words inscribed across its facade: erected for the students that religion and learning may go hand in hand and character grow with knowledge. Built about a hundred years ago, the structure is in reasonably good repair, but the purpose for which it was built (it still houses the office of the university chaplain) is in ruins. I’ve never met a student who knows what’s written above the door. Religion and learning hand in hand?

Feb 29, 2024 | fabula.org | George Steiner

Traduction de Pierre-Emmanuel Dauzat et Brice Matthieussent. De George Steiner, on connaît davantage sa pensée philosophique et son statut de critique littéraire que son œuvre de fiction, mais elle n’en est pourtant pas moins digne d’intérêt.

Feb 3, 2023 | planksip.org | George Steiner

Pessimistic Perspective or Acute Observation? Mine, Mine, Mine and the Chaos that EnsuesThis graduated role reversal of humility is an act worth thinking about. Revolutions take place despite our preoccupation with initiation. As the world turns, living is perpetual, limited to our species in a language only.