George Steiner, French-American philosopher, author, and critic

Francis George Steiner, FBA (April 23, 1929 – February 3, 2020), was a towering Franco-American intellectual whose extensive and profound work spanned the fields of literary criticism, philosophy, and education. A prolific essayist and occasional novelist, Steiner's unique perspective, shaped by his European heritage and his bicultural identity, profoundly influenced contemporary thought and understanding of culture.

A Scholar of Language, Literature, and Society

At the heart of Steiner's intellectual inquiry lay the complex interplay between language, literature, and society. He delved deep into how these fundamental elements shape human experience, identity, and history. A central and recurrent theme in his work was the profound and enduring impact of the Holocaust—a catastrophe that cast a long shadow over 20th-century European culture. Steiner explored this cataclysmic event with unflinching intellectual rigor, examining its implications for language, morality, and the very foundations of Western civilization, often considering how literature and philosophy grapple with such unspeakable historical traumas.

Acclaim and Distinctive Voice

Steiner's formidable intellect and vast knowledge earned him widespread admiration. The Guardian newspaper aptly described him as both a "polyglot" and a "polymath," terms that perfectly capture his intellectual breadth. As a polyglot, he was fluent in multiple languages, allowing him direct access to a rich tapestry of literatures and philosophies. As a polymath, he possessed expertise across a remarkable breadth of subjects, from classical literature to modern philosophy, science, and history. Indeed, many of his admirers considered him to be "among the great minds in today's literary world."

The acclaimed English novelist A. S. Byatt vividly characterized Steiner as a "late, late, late Renaissance man," recognizing his expansive intellectual curiosity and his extraordinary ability to synthesize diverse ideas across disciplines. She further described him as "a European metaphysician with an instinct for the driving ideas of our time," highlighting his deep engagement with foundational questions about existence, knowledge, and value, always attuned to the intellectual currents shaping contemporary society. This reputation for profound insight and intellectual dynamism was complemented by his engaging presence as an educator. Harriet Harvey-Wood, a former literature director of the British Council, recalled him as a "magnificent lecturer—prophetic and doom-laden," noting his extraordinary ability to captivate audiences with seemingly minimal preparation, often turning up "with half a page of scribbled notes, and never refer to them." This speaks to his powerful intellect and his ability to articulate complex ideas with remarkable spontaneity and clarity.

Distinguished Academic Career

Steiner's illustrious academic career saw him hold prestigious positions at leading institutions across the globe, reflecting his international scholarly standing. He served as Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of Geneva from 1974 to 1994, shaping a generation of students and scholars in the heart of Europe. Following this, he continued his impactful work as Professor of Comparative Literature and a Fellow at the University of Oxford from 1994 to 1995, contributing to the vibrant intellectual life of one of the world's oldest universities. His transatlantic influence was further cemented when he took up the distinguished role of Professor of Poetry at Harvard University for the academic year 2001–2002, a testament to his profound contributions to literary theory and criticism. Additionally, he held the esteemed position of an Extraordinary Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge, underscoring his deep and lasting ties to the intellectual life of both Europe and America.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What does "FBA" signify after George Steiner's name?

FBA stands for Fellow of the British Academy, an honor bestowed upon leading academics in the humanities and social sciences in the United Kingdom.

What were George Steiner's primary areas of intellectual focus?

Steiner primarily focused on the intricate relationships between language, literature, and society. He extensively explored the cultural and moral implications of these connections, with a significant emphasis on understanding the impact and legacy of the Holocaust on Western thought and culture.

Why was George Steiner described as a "polyglot and polymath"?

He was considered a "polyglot" because of his fluency in multiple languages, which allowed him to engage deeply with diverse literary traditions. He was a "polymath" due to his profound knowledge and expertise across a vast array of disciplines, including literary criticism, philosophy, history, and education.

What was George Steiner's lecturing style like?

George Steiner was renowned for his captivating and powerful lecturing style. He was described as a "magnificent lecturer" who could deliver profound, often "prophetic and doom-laden" talks with seemingly minimal notes, demonstrating his extraordinary command of his subjects and his ability to engage audiences spontaneously.

Where did George Steiner hold his most prominent academic positions?

His prominent academic appointments included professorships at the University of Geneva (English and Comparative Literature), the University of Oxford (Comparative Literature and Fellow), and Harvard University (Professor of Poetry). He was also an Extraordinary Fellow of Churchill College, Cambridge.