Sara Danius (1962–2019) was a Swedish literary critic. From 2013 to 2019, she was a member of the Swedish Academy, and since 2015, its permanent secretary. Danius has been called "Sweden's literary queen" and "a universally beloved intellectual." She was also a professional basketball player and a style icon.
The multifaceted and profound nature of Danius's personality is reflected in her texts, recognized as classics of modern Swedish criticism and essays. The collection "Silk Cathedral" includes essays on Marcel Proust, Bob Dylan, Svetlana Alexievich, Thomas Mann, and other renowned writers (as well as photographers and couturiers). The book also includes the transcripts of three radio broadcasts, a kind of miniature biography. Sarah Danius's essays, regardless of the subject matter, are distinguished by their depth of analysis, precise and accurate wording, clarity and ease of style, and a combination of broad perspective and attention to detail—and, of course, humor.