On Grief and Reason: Essays by Joseph Brodsky

“On Grief and Reason: Essays” is a collection of essays written by Joseph Brodsky, a Russian-American poet and essayist. The book was published in 1995, a few years after Brodsky was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The essays in the book explore a range of themes, including literature, language, politics, and history, and are characterized by Brodsky’s distinctive voice and style. Many of the essays also deal with the theme of grief, reflecting Brodsky’s own experiences of loss, including the deaths of his parents and his exile from the Soviet Union.

Brodsky was known for his insightful and often provocative commentary on contemporary culture and politics, and his essays in this book offer a window into his thinking on a range of issues. He is also celebrated for his contributions to the development of the English language, having learned the language as an adult after being exiled from the Soviet Union.

“On Grief and Reason” is widely regarded as one of Brodsky’s most important works, and has been praised for its depth, range, and intelligence.