A Year and a Day; An Experiment in Essays

A vibrant tribute to the power of the essay, this collection of 47 pieces offers a window into the mind of a modern-day Montaigne as he reflects on the intricacies of daily life—film and art, friendships and family—over the course of a year.

Essays are among the most nimble and boundary-defying literary forms, freely gathering insights from everyday experiences, history, and personal musings to shape something fresh and unexpected. In 2016, Philip Lopate—renowned essayist and longtime champion of the genre—embarked on a yearlong experiment: writing a weekly blog on whatever crossed his mind. The result, A Year and a Day, is a sweeping collection of essays that blend spontaneity with Lopate’s signature depth and wit.

Covering topics ranging from family and desire to James Baldwin, Agnes Martin, Abbas Kiarostami, a visit to China, and the turbulent rise of Donald Trump, these essays form a multifaceted self-portrait, a snapshot of the era, and a masterful exploration of the essay’s boundless potential.