On the surface, Grain of Truth is a brief, simple book in which the author makes objects out of wood – a hand plane for himself, a marimba for his children, a box to hold the cremated remains of his grandmother-in-law. It’s not a how-to book, not a description of technique so much as an exploration of craft as a contemplative and spiritual practice. It shows how one’s hands can serve as guides in the unfolding of awareness.
The book is organized into eight chapters, based on the essential symbols of ancient Taoism (wind, earth, thunder, deep water, mountain, shallows, fire, and the unfathomable). Each chapter deals with a particular craft project – its inspiration, the materials it requires, the rewards it offers. Using sharp tools and a delicate touch, Laird uses the creative process to discover his essence.
Grain of Truth is lyrical and mesmerizing. Like Eugen Herrigel’s Zen in the Art of Archery, it explores physical discipline as a path to spiritual awakening. Like Thoreau’s Walden, it places the unadorned self in nature, simple experience opening a door to unforeseen depths. Like Annie Dillard’s Pilgrim at Tinker Creek, it evokes the mystical through keen observation of the natural world. It’s a book to cherish.
“Gorgeous...here is a book teeming with insight and inspiration.”
–Globe and Mail
“Give yourself an evening in a quiet place and read this little book with attention. It could change your life. Laird writes about wood with the voice of a poet and the eye of an artist. He can now step up and take his place beside Sharon Butala and Eugen Herrigel.”
–Hamilton Spectator
“An elegant, calming pleasure to read.”
–Kirkus Reviews
“I am so impressed with Grain of Truth, with its beauty and its intense thoughtfulness, and with the way Laird's mind works so that his musings extend far and wide and then return to their subject with a deepened understanding. This is a first book of rare quality.”
–Sharon Butala
“A beautiful and evocative meditation. A spiritual quest and a celebration of the discipline of craftsmanship are the tongue and groove of this remarkable book.”
–David Macfarlane
From the Hardcover edition.
Les informations fournies dans la section « A propos du livre » peuvent faire référence à une autre édition de ce titre.
EUR 25,52 expédition depuis Canada vers France
Destinations, frais et délaisVendeur : A Good Read, Toronto, ON, Canada
Hardcover. Etat : Very Good. Etat de la jaquette : Very Good. First Edition. A Good Read ships from Toronto and Niagara Falls, NY - customers outside of North America please allow two to three weeks for delivery. PO gift inscription in ink on ffep. ; 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. N° de réf. du vendeur 15575
Quantité disponible : 1 disponible(s)
Vendeur : Booked Experiences Bookstore, Burlington, ON, Canada
Hardcover. Etat : Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Near Fine. pp.187 clean tight copy with minuscle corner wear and rubbing to covers Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. N° de réf. du vendeur 016757
Quantité disponible : 1 disponible(s)
Vendeur : Hourglass Books, Vancouver, BC, Canada
Hardcover. Etat : Very Good+. Etat de la jaquette : Very Good+. Canadian First. Signed by Ross Laird on the title page with no inscription; a solid, clean copy in collectable condition; Governor General's Literary Awards Nominee seal on front cover. Signed by Author(s). Book. N° de réf. du vendeur 000097
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Vendeur : BISON BOOKS - ABAC/ILAB, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
Hardcover. pp. 187. 8vo. SIGNED by author. Light shelfwear, light rippling to last few pages; very good, in rubbed, very good- dust jacket with light rippling to rear panel. N° de réf. du vendeur 063013
Quantité disponible : 1 disponible(s)
Vendeur : Sellsbooks, Indio, CA, Etats-Unis
Hard Bound. Etat : Fine. Etat de la jaquette : Fine. First Edition. First printing. Flat-signed and inscribed by author. Black textured paper boards with gold foil-stamped spine. Flaws: 4 pages have been doggeared. NO other flaws. NO markings throughout - NO rem mark or ex-lib. DJ has very light shelf-scuffing only - NO other flaws. NOT price-clipped. Signed by Author(s). N° de réf. du vendeur 001900
Quantité disponible : 1 disponible(s)
Vendeur : Edmonton Book Store, Edmonton, AB, Canada
Etat : Very Good. Etat de la jaquette : Very Good. Smaller 8vo pp. 187, b/w illustrations, "Drawing for inspiration on the natural and cultural landscapes of British Columbia and ancient China alike, Laird reflects on the work, mental and physical, that goes into the making of handcrafted boxes, furniture, and such, and on what Robert Frost called "the pleasure of taking pains." His book offers inspiration for? Signed By the Author. book. N° de réf. du vendeur 154696
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