Susan Sontag: The Collected Essays

The Library of America presents its authoritative two-volume edition of America's most provocative critic in a deluxe collector's boxed set.

Includes Against Interpretation, On Photography, Regarding the Pain of Others, and 6 other classic Sontag collections.

Susan Sontag was an incandescent presence in American culture, whether as essayist, fiction writer, filmmaker, or political activist. As a critic, she became the most provocative and influential voice of her time. More than a commentator on her era, she helped shape it.

Here for the first time is Library of America's authoritative two-volume edition of Susan Sontag's brilliant essays in deluxe collector's boxed set. Includes 9 complete collections and six uncollected essays:

Volume I: Essays of the 1960s & 70s

Against Interpretation • Styles of Radical Will • On Photography • Illness as Metaphor • uncollected essays

Volume II: Later Essays

Under the Sign of Saturn • AIDS and Its Metaphors • Where the Stress Falls • Regarding the Pain of Others • At the Same Time

Each cloth hardcover volume comes complete with helpful annotation, detailed textual essays, and a chronology of Sontag's remarkable life and career prepared by her son, the writer David Rieff.

Standard and Primary covers are widely available through general retailers. They often have higher print runs and can be cheaper, especially during sales.

In contrast, Direct Market (DM) and variant covers are primarily sold in comic shops. DM editions tend to have more limited availability and may be more valuable to collectors.

The main differences lie in artwork style, availability, price, and collector appeal. Ultimately, the choice between standard and variant covers depends on personal preference, budget, and individual collecting goals.

Comic book enthusiasts have various formats to choose from when collecting their favorite stories.
Here's a brief overview of the main types:

Omnibus

• Large, hardcover collections
• Usually contain complete runs or extensive story arcs
• Typically 800-1000+ pages
• Higher price point, often €100-€150

Oversized Hardcover (OHC)

• Similar dimensions to omnibus, but thinner
• Collect shorter runs or story arcs
• Usually 300-600 pages
• Priced between €30-€50

Hardcover (HC)

• Standard-sized hardcover books
• Collect 6-12 issues typically
• Similar dimensions to single issues, but with a hard cover
• Priced around €25-€35

Trade Paperback (TP)

• Softcover collections
• Standard comic book size
• Usually collect 4-6 issues
• Most affordable option, typically €15-€25

Other Formats

• Absolute Editions: Oversized, deluxe hardcovers (mainly DC Comics)
• Compendiums: Massive paperback collections
• Graphic Novels (OGN/GN): Original stories not previously released as single issues

The choice between these formats often depends on personal preference, budget, and collecting goals. Omnibus and OHC editions offer larger artwork and more content but at a higher price, while TPs provide a more affordable way to collect complete story arcs