Known and strange things : essays

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**"Known and Strange Things: Essays" by Teju Cole explores a variety of themes and topics**, offering numerous connections to other books in a library. These include:

-   **Art (Literary and Visual)**: Cole reflects directly on both literary and visual arts. 【1】
    -   *Connections*: Books on art history, literary criticism, photography, and museum studies.
-   **Politics**: The collection engages with political issues, though not necessarily partisan politics. 【1】【2】
    -   *Connections*: Books on political science, social justice, activism, and contemporary global issues.
-   **Travel**: Cole incorporates travel experiences and observations in his essays. 【1】
    -   *Connections*: Travel writing, geography, cultural studies, and postcolonial literature.
-   **Race**: Race is a significant theme explored within the essays. 【3】【4】
    -   *Connections*: Books on racial identity, critical race theory, African American studies, and postcolonial studies.
-   **History**: Cole delves into historical events and their impact. 【5】
    -   *Connections*: Books on various historical periods, cultural history, and the history of ideas.
-   **The Human Experience**: The essays offer profound insights into the complexities of contemporary life and the human condition. 【6】
    -   *Connections*: Philosophy, psychology, sociology, and books exploring personal identity and relationships.

**Cole's approach is eclectic and boundary-crossing**, often building connections between African and Western perspectives. 【7】【8】 His essays reflect direct and unreconstructed experiences, focusing on honesty and reflection. 【1】 This interdisciplinary approach allows for connections to be drawn across various genres and subject areas.