Illness as metaphor

This volume combines two distinct essays by Susan Sontag. "Illness as Metaphor" was published first, and "AIDS and Its Metaphors" was written later as a companion piece, extending her analysis to the specific context of the AIDS epidemic.

This book exemplifies Sontag's characteristic critical approach, where she dissects cultural phenomena and intellectual trends. It shares a thematic thread with her essays on photography and art, exploring how society frames and interprets complex subjects.

The book is widely regarded as a seminal work in medical humanities and cultural studies. It significantly influenced how scholars and the public understand the social and linguistic construction of disease.