Self Defined

As we near the dawn of a new millennium, self-examination will surely be an all-time high. Who better to celebrate this timely trend than the magazine that has encouraged millions of readers to seek a sense of self -- and the writers and artists who have challenged millions more to do the same?

For 20 years, Self magazine has been exploring all aspects and definitions of self -- the physical, spiritual, emotional, psychological -- and how they're integrated. In planning for Self's anniversary this October, the editors of the magazine developed a list of especially liked "self" words: self-employed, self-motivating, self-image, self-esteem, self-loathing, self-renewal. They asked their favorite writers, photographers, and artists to choose a self-word and riff on it. The result: a delightful collection that employs both a historical and a pop perspective on selfhood.

Alice Hoffman, Susan Isaacs, Lorrie Moore, Suze Orman, Cynthia Ozick, and Anna Quindlen are just a few of the more than 30 literary luminaries who contribute essays, many previously unpublished, to this hallmark volume. Illustrating their thoughts are images from photographers known for their exploration of "self, " including Robert Mapphthorpe, Mary Ellen Mark, Nan Golds, and Annie Liebovitz. Self-Defined also showcases original art from cartoonist Roz Chast, artist Tim Rollins, actress Jamie Lee Curtis, and other singular talents.