What: Craig Seligman, who is himself a successful critic, examines the lives and work of two (in)famous critics, Susan Sontag and Pauline Kael. Seligman clearly admires both of them, although he has more personal affection for Kael. In Sontag & Kael, the dichotomy of their critical approaches (Sontag is intellectually rigorous and austere; Kael is passionate and argumentative) actually serves to highlight why both women were pioneers in modern criticism. In different ways, they each changed the way we think --- and talk --- about the world.
Comparable to: Read some Pauline Kael. Read some Susan Sontag. Mash them together and tie it up with a third articulate, perceptive voice. That's basically this book.
Representative quote: "Ours is indeed an age of extremity. For we live under threat of two equally fearful, but seemingly opposed, destinies: unremitting banality and inconceivable terror." [Susan Sontag, post-9/11]
You might not like it if: You're just looking for some movie recommendations.
How to get it: It's in print, but not (yet) Kindle-able. A very good, short book for commuting via public transit! You will be able to sit and nod sagely on the train.
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