Joanna Biggs

Joanna Biggs, former editor at the LRB and deputy editor of the Yale Review, discusses the legendary Marguerite Yourcenar, the first woman in the Académie Française. They delve into 'Memoirs of Hadrian', exploring its emotional depth, themes of love and sacrifice, and its cultural significance. Biggs highlights Yourcenar’s aristocratic roots and her connections with other female writers. The conversation also reflects on how personal artifacts shape cultural identity, revealing the timeless nature of human experiences throughout history.