I don't think there is ever objective biography. Our vision of our subject is always shaped by who we are. So I do, of course, think the biographer's view is always something to keep in mind. Stacy Schiff biographerbiographymind Change image and share on social
I can't write a line without music - it provides just the right amount of distraction to keep me focused. Clearly, I still miss the noisy roommates. Stacy Schiff amountdistractionfocus Change image and share on social
You ever try to leave New York? I did once. I lasted about a year. Stacy Schiff lastleaveyear Change image and share on social
I'm a sucker for lost worlds. I was nostalgic even as a child. I was happiest in my hometown library in Adams, Mass., where nothing seemed to change. Stacy Schiff adamchangechild Change image and share on social
I wouldn't dare to speculate as to Cleopatra's falling in love. Her relationships are too convenient for that. Stacy Schiff cleopatraconvenientdare Change image and share on social
Of course, women have long exercised influence behind the scenes. A few thousand years ago this drove Aristotle to distraction: 'What difference does it make whether women rule or the rulers are ruled by women? The result is the same.' Stacy Schiff agoaristotledifference share on social
No one in the modern world controls the wealth or territory that Cleopatra did. Stacy Schiff cleopatracontrolmodern Change image and share on social
Recently a study proved that working from a larger, less cluttered computer screen increases concentration. I could have told them that. And yes, I write first drafts with a mechanical pencil and a yellow legal pad. There's good reason for this primitive behavior: I am a crackerjack typist. My hand moves far more quickly than my brain. Stacy Schiff behaviorcluttercomputer share on social
Strangely enough, politics may just be the one realm in which having kids imposes no penalty on women. Kids are practically a necessity. For scientists, or Supreme Court justices, or chief executives, or the woman who wants to learn to fly F-l8s off an aircraft carrier, it works differently. Stacy Schiff aircraftcarrierchief share on social
In an ideal world, the perfect biographical subject would have been the star of his penmanship class at grade school - and would thereafter write an English that positively sings. Stacy Schiff biographicalclassenglish Change image and share on social