Known and Strange Things

Teju Cole's 'Known and Strange Things' is a breathtaking collection of essays, marking his debut in the genre and cementing his status as a singular voice in contemporary literature. Spanning a diverse intellectual landscape, the book delves into politics, the nuanced world of photography, the immersive experiences of travel, profound historical insights, and the rich tapestry of literature. Cole's prose is a masterclass in clarity and depth, offering fresh and potent interpretations of art, individuals, and pivotal historical moments. Readers are invited to engage with his reflections on Virginia Woolf's diaries, his personal experience with temporary blindness in New York, a critical examination of Instagram's visual culture, and the complex transformation of Barack Obama from an avid reader to a 'forever-war' president. These essays, many of which achieved viral recognition, are both persuasive and thought-provoking, erudite yet accessible, providing a unique lens through which to perceive the world.