A thought-provoking examination of the complex teacher-student relationship, from one of the great minds of the modern literary world Based on George Steiner's extensive experience as a teacher, Lessons of the Masters is a passionate examination of the "profession of the professor." He writes about what empowers one person to teach another, and explores the complexities and nuances of this bond. From the charismatic master to the loving disciple, Steiner explores the religious, philosophical, economic, and scientific aspects of imparting knowledge, drawing upon history's most famous teachers: Socrates, Jesus, Faust, Virgil, Dante, Heloise, and Abelard.
"[Steiner] brings his formidable charisma, his unrivalled range of reference and powers of rhetoric to bear on the peaks (as well as some troughs) of pedagogy, in history and literature . . . Like his hero Socrates, Steiner professes to have few answers, but his questions sweep you along."
Financial Times
"Sets forth the disturbing complexity of the relationship between teacher and pupil, master and disciple."
The Times
"Steiner provides what must be his most dazzling spectacle of poly-scholarship."
