A dazzling work of philosophy and personal reflection.

In this bold, invigorating book, Maggie Nelson examines freedom in four arenas of modern life: creative expression, sexuality, substance use and the fight for environmental survival. Weaving literary criticism, memoir and cultural analysis, she invites readers to rethink what liberation can look like amid moral complexity.

On Freedom is at once intellectual and intimate – a conversation across art and activism, reason and desire. One of the most important voices in contemporary thought, Nelson offers a vision of freedom rooted in empathy, curiosity and care.

‘Tremendously energising’ Guardian

‘Nelson is such a friend to her reader, such brilliant company’ Literary Review