Author(s): Philip Roth & Volker Hage

Writing Guides

This rare collection of recent interviews with Philip Roth and portraits of the man and his work is now available in English for the first time. In language which is honest, clear and direct, Philip Roth speaks openly of his views on a wide range of topics - US politics, Iraq, Vietnam, George Bush, the role of the writer. Together these interviews and portraits provide a fresh and unique insight into the life and mind of one of America's greatest writers, into his thoughts, beliefs, and intentions. The twelve chapters of this book include five interviews with Philip Roth that were originally published in German and have never appeared in English. Some deal with current affairs, others with themes like love and aging, others with particular books - American Pastoral, The Dying Animal, Everyman, etc. The interviews were all conducted by Volker Hage, one of Germany’s most distinguished literary journalists, and the volume includes several texts by Hage that describe his encounters with Roth and reflect on the man and his work. The constant theme that runs throughout these interviews and portraits is Philip Roth's relation to America: why is America the way it is and how does this affect its people? This unique and lively volume will be of great interest to anyone who has read and enjoyed Philip Roth's books.