Notes on Camp

In 'Notes on Camp,' Susan Sontag delves into the aesthetics and sensibilities of camp, exploring its cultural significance and its subversion of traditional standards. With sharp wit and critical insight, she examines how camp challenges norms by embracing exaggeration, irony, and theatricality. Sontag's observations invite readers to reconsider the boundaries between high and low art, and what it means to appreciate beauty. Her essay is a provocative invitation to engage with art and culture in a playful yet profound manner. Embark on a journey through the flamboyant, the outrageous, and the surprisingly profound as Sontag unpacks the allure of the camp phenomenon.

By Susan Sontag

Published: 2018

"The Camp aesthetic is a means of consuming the world through a lens of excess, irony, and a playful subversion of conventional values; it teaches us to appreciate the unnatural, the exaggerated, and the theatrical in our pursuit of beauty."

Notes on CampBook binding

Start Listening

0:000:00

What Readers Say About This Book

"These two classic essays were the first works of criticism to break down the boundaries between 'high' and 'low' culture, and made Susan Sontag a literary sensation."--Back cover

Mike & Casey Show Logo

The Mike & Casey Show

Dive into captivating book discussions with our expert hosts

Key Points from Notes on Camp

About the Author

S

Susan Sontag

Susan Sontag (1933-2004) was an influential American writer, filmmaker, philosopher, and political activist. She is best known for her essays on modern culture, art, and photography, particularly in her groundbreaking works such as "On Photography" and "Against Interpretation." Sontag's writing is characterized by its intellectual rigor, insightful analysis, and a profound understanding of the complexities of contemporary life. Her ability to weave together personal experience with broader societal observations has made her a pivotal figure in American literature and thought.

Book Details

Key information about the book.

Authors
Susan Sontag
Published
January 2018
Publisher
Penguin Classics
ISBN
0241339707
Language
English
Pages
N/A
Genres
Literary CriticismCultural StudiesLiteratureArts and Culture

Purchase Options

Amazon logoBuy on Amazon
BookShop logoBuy via BookShop

Support local bookstores: BookShop gives a portion of each sale to independent bookshops!

Similar books you might like →

How to Read a BookBook binding

How to Read a Book

Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren

Godel, Escher, BachBook binding

Godel, Escher, Bach

Douglas R. Hofstadter

Small FryBook binding

Small Fry

Lisa Brennan-Jobs

The Greatest Story Ever Told--So FarBook binding

The Greatest Story Ever Told--So Far

Lawrence M. Krauss

A Literary Companion to ScienceBook binding

A Literary Companion to Science

Walter Bruno Gratzer

The Painted BirdBook binding

The Painted Bird

Jerzy Kosinski

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?Book binding

Will You Please Be Quiet, Please?

Raymond Carver

What We See When We ReadBook binding

What We See When We Read

Peter Mendelsund

In VogueBook binding

In Vogue

Alberto Oliva, Norberto Angeletti

Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and JewelryBook binding

Important Artifacts and Personal Property from the Collection of Lenore Doolan and Harold Morris, Including Books, Street Fashion, and Jewelry

Leanne Shapton

Notes on the CinematographBook binding

Notes on the Cinematograph

Robert Bresson

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.Book binding

Beyträge Zur Vaterländischen Historie, Geographie, Staatistik, Und Landwirthschaft, Samt Einer Uebersicht Der Schönen Litteratur.

Lorenz Von Westenrieder

Tara RoadBook binding

Tara Road

Maeve Binchy

The Bell JarBook binding

The Bell Jar

Sylvia Plath

The Vampire in EuropeBook binding

The Vampire in Europe

Montague Summers

Cultural AmnesiaBook binding

Cultural Amnesia

Clive James

Why Liberalism FailedBook binding

Why Liberalism Failed

Patrick J. Deneen

A Place for UsBook binding

A Place for Us

Fatima Farheen Mirza

Avid ReaderBook binding

Avid Reader

Robert Gottlieb

Before the Coffee Gets ColdBook binding

Before the Coffee Gets Cold

Toshikazu Kawaguchi

The Aspirational InvestorBook binding

The Aspirational Investor

Ashvin B. Chhabra

Louise BourgeoisBook binding

Louise Bourgeois

Louise Bourgeois, Lawrence Rinder, University Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive, Drawing Center (New York, N.Y.)

The White GoddessBook binding

The White Goddess

Robert Graves

A Collection of EssaysBook binding

A Collection of Essays

George Orwell

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid TestBook binding

The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test

Tom Wolfe

Adios, MotherfuckerBook binding

Adios, Motherfucker

Michael Ruffino

BonhoefferBook binding

Bonhoeffer

Eric Metaxas

The Long GameBook binding

The Long Game

Mitch McConnell

Take your reading experience to the next level

Download our mobile app to enjoy your favorite books on the go. Get access to exclusive features, offline listening, and personalized recommendations.

Download on the App Store

Book Collections you might like →

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan's Book Recommendations

Michael Pollan is a renowned American author and journalist, celebrated for his insightful explorations of food, agriculture, and human culture. His groundbreaking book, "The Omnivore's Dilemma," published in 2006, critically examines the complexities of the modern food industry and has become a seminal work in food studies. Pollan's engaging narrative style and thorough research have earned him a place on The New York Times Best Seller list multiple times. In addition to his literary contributions, he is also a professor of journalism at the University of California, Berkeley. Pollan's work continues to influence public discourse on sustainable eating and the ethical implications of food choices.

View Collection
Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant's Book Recommendations

Naval Ravikant is an entrepreneur, angel investor, and philosopher, best known as the co-founder of AngelList, a platform that connects startups with investors. Ravikant is a prolific thinker and writer on topics such as startups, investing, and personal well-being, sharing his wisdom through essays, podcasts, and social media. He has invested in over 100 companies, including Uber, Twitter, and Yammer, making him one of Silicon Valley’s most successful angel investors. Ravikant is also known for his philosophical musings on wealth, happiness, and the meaning of life, which have garnered him a large and dedicated following.

View Collection
Janet Mock's Book Recommendations

Janet Mock's Book Recommendations

Janet Mock is an acclaimed writer, director, and transgender rights activist known for her groundbreaking memoir, "Redefining Realness," which became a New York Times bestseller. She followed this with "Surpassing Certainty," further cementing her voice in contemporary literature. Mock's work has not only highlighted her own journey but also brought vital visibility to the transgender community. In addition to her literary achievements, she has made significant contributions to television, notably as a writer, director, and producer for the series "Pose." Through her multifaceted career, Mock has become a powerful advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and an influential figure in modern storytelling.

View Collection
Harry Styles's Book Recommendations

Harry Styles's Book Recommendations

Harry Styles is a British singer, songwriter, and actor, best known as a member of the globally successful boy band One Direction before launching a successful solo career. Styles’ solo work has earned critical acclaim for its blend of rock, pop, and indie influences, with hits like Sign of the Times and Watermelon Sugar. In addition to music, Styles has also made a mark in fashion, known for his gender-fluid style and collaborations with brands like Gucci. He is also an actor, starring in films like Dunkirk and Don't Worry Darling. Styles is recognized for his artistic versatility and cultural impact.

View Collection
Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro's Book Recommendations

Ben Shapiro is an American conservative political commentator, author, and lawyer, known for his sharp analytical skills and outspoken views. He graduated from UCLA at the age of 20 and Harvard Law School at 23, demonstrating his early intellectual prowess. Shapiro is the author of several best-selling books including "Bullies: How the Left's Culture of Fear and Intimidation Silences Americans" and "The Right Side of History: How Reason and Moral Purpose Made the West Great." He is the co-founder and editor emeritus of The Daily Wire, a popular conservative news and opinion website. Through his writing and media presence, Shapiro has significantly influenced contemporary political discourse in the United States.

View Collection
Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama's Book Recommendations

Barack Obama is the 44th President of the United States, serving from 2009 to 2017. As the first African American president, Obama’s leadership marked a historic moment in American history. His administration focused on healthcare reform, economic recovery from the Great Recession, and environmental policies. He is best known for the Affordable Care Act, as well as his efforts to expand civil rights and restore diplomatic relations with Cuba. Since leaving office, Obama has continued to engage in public life through his foundation, focusing on leadership development, civic engagement, and global issues.

View Collection
Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy's Book Recommendations

Anya Taylor-Joy is an acclaimed actress known for her captivating performances in film and television. She gained widespread recognition for her role as Beth Harmon in the critically acclaimed Netflix series "The Queen's Gambit," which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. Taylor-Joy has also starred in notable films such as "The Witch," "Split," and "Emma," showcasing her versatility and depth as an actress. In addition to her acting career, she has been praised for her contributions to promoting diverse and complex female characters in modern storytelling. Her work continues to inspire audiences and set a high standard in the entertainment industry.

View Collection
Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley's Book Recommendations

Ann Handley is a renowned digital marketing pioneer and a Wall Street Journal bestselling author. She is the author of "Everybody Writes," a seminal guide on creating compelling content, and co-author of "Content Rules," which outlines effective content marketing strategies. As the Chief Content Officer at MarketingProfs, she has significantly influenced modern marketing practices. Handley is also a highly sought-after keynote speaker, known for her insights on digital content and marketing trends. Her work has empowered countless marketers to elevate their content creation and strategy efforts.

View Collection
Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball's Book Recommendations

Diana Kimball is an entrepreneur, author, and founder of the mentorship platform Mentor List, which connects people looking for guidance with industry leaders. Kimball is a champion for personal and professional development, emphasizing the power of mentorship to foster growth and build meaningful connections. She has worked in product management and marketing roles at companies like Twitter and Microsoft, bringing her unique insights into tech and community building. Kimball also speaks and writes on topics related to leadership, career development, and the importance of empathy in the workplace. Her work has helped people build stronger networks and pursue their goals with purpose.

View Collection
Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason's Book Recommendations

Nat Eliason is an influential writer, entrepreneur, and educator known for his insightful work on personal growth, productivity, and digital marketing. He founded Growth Machine, a successful SEO and content marketing agency that has helped numerous companies expand their online presence. Eliason's thought-provoking articles on his blog cover a wide range of topics, from philosophy to health, attracting a large and engaged audience. Additionally, he authored "Effortless Output with Roam," a comprehensive guide on using the Roam Research tool for knowledge management. Through his diverse contributions, Eliason has established himself as a significant voice in the realms of self-improvement and digital strategy.

View Collection
Yotam Ottolenghi's Book Recommendations

Yotam Ottolenghi's Book Recommendations

Yotam Ottolenghi is an acclaimed Israeli-British chef, restaurateur, and food writer best known for his vibrant and innovative cookbooks that celebrate Middle Eastern cuisine. He gained international recognition with his debut cookbook, "Ottolenghi: The Cookbook" (2008), co-authored with Sami Tamimi. His subsequent works, including "Jerusalem" (2012) and "Plenty" (2010), have won numerous awards and have been translated into multiple languages, influencing home cooks and chefs worldwide. Ottolenghi's writing is celebrated for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients and bold, diverse flavors. Through his books and columns in publications like The Guardian, he has made a significant impact on contemporary culinary literature and popularized modern Middle Eastern cuisine.

View Collection
Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans's Book Recommendations

Benedict Evans is a renowned technology analyst and commentator, acclaimed for his insightful analyses on technology trends and their societal impacts. With a background in venture capital and strategic consulting, Evans has become a prominent voice in the tech community through his thought-provoking essays and presentations. His work often explores the intersection of mobile technology, media, and internet platforms, offering a nuanced understanding of complex tech ecosystems. Evans is widely respected for his ability to distill intricate technological developments into accessible and compelling narratives. His contributions have significantly influenced industry leaders and informed public discourse on the future of technology.

View Collection
Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson's Book Recommendations

Jordan Peterson is a Canadian psychologist, author, and professor, best known for his work on psychology, political philosophy, and cultural criticism. His book 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos became a global bestseller, offering advice on personal responsibility, order, and meaning in life. Peterson’s lectures, which cover topics like mythology, religion, and self-improvement, have garnered millions of views online, making him a polarizing figure in both academic and popular circles. He is known for his critiques of political correctness and his emphasis on individual responsibility. Peterson’s influence has sparked widespread debate about free speech, identity politics, and mental health.

View Collection
Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr's Book Recommendations

Bill Burr is an American comedian, actor, and podcaster, known for his biting, no-nonsense style of humor that often tackles controversial topics with sharp wit. Burr has released several successful stand-up specials, including Paper Tiger and Walk Your Way Out, and is the co-creator of the animated sitcom F Is for Family. He also hosts the Monday Morning Podcast, where he shares his unfiltered thoughts on everything from current events to personal stories. Burr’s honest, raw comedic style has earned him a dedicated fanbase and has made him one of the most respected comedians in the industry.

View Collection
Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero's Book Recommendations

Frank Chimero is a renowned designer, illustrator, and author best known for his influential book "The Shape of Design," which explores the philosophy and practice of design. His work emphasizes the intersection of creativity and human experience, earning him a respected place in both the design and literary communities. Chimero has contributed essays and lectures that have inspired a new generation of thinkers in the creative industries. He has also been recognized for his ability to distill complex ideas into accessible, thought-provoking content. Beyond his writing, Chimero's design projects and illustrations have been featured in numerous prestigious publications and exhibitions.

View Collection

The Camp aesthetic is a means of consuming the world through a lens of excess, irony, and a playful subversion of conventional values; it teaches us to appreciate the unnatural, the exaggerated, and the theatrical in our pursuit of beauty.

Notes on Camp

By Susan Sontag

Frequently Asked Questions