Overview

'A brilliant and original book... Everybody should read it' Guardian An odyssey into life's challenging philosophical questions during an unforgettable summer motorcycle trip, Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance transformed a generation and continues to inspire millions. One of the most influential books written in the past half-century, Robert Pirsig's Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is a powerful examination of how we live and a breathtaking meditation on how to live better. Following a father and his young son on a summer motorcycle trip across America's Northwest, to complete the Chautauqua spiritual journey, it is a story of love, fear, growth, discovery and acceptance. Both personal and philosophical, it is a compelling study of relationships, values, and eventually, enlightenment and meaning - resonant with the confusions and wonders of existence. Acclaimed as one of the most exciting books in the history of American letters, this modern epic became an instant bestseller upon publication in 1974. 'The book is inspired, original...the analogies with Moby-Dick are patent' New Yorker 'Mr Pirsig has written a work of great, perhaps urgent, importance... Read this book' Observer

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9780099786405

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Reviews

Profoundly important-full of insights into our most perplexing contemporary dilemmas * New York Times * The book is inspired, original...the narrative tact, the perfect economy of effect defy criticism.The analogies with Moby-Dick are patent * New Yorker * Disturbing, deeply moving, full of insights. This is a wonderful book * Times Literary Supplement * Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is an unforgettable trip * Time * Mr Pirsig has written a work of great, perhaps urgent, importance. Read this book * Observer *

It is filled with beauty. . .a finely made whole that seems to emanate from a very special grace. --Baltimore Sun

Mr Pirsig has written a work of great, perhaps urgent, importance. Read this book * Observer * Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance is an unforgettable trip * Time * Disturbing, deeply moving, full of insights. This is a wonderful book * Times Literary Supplement * The book is inspired, original...the narrative tact, the perfect economy of effect defy criticism.The analogies with Moby-Dick are patent * New Yorker * Profoundly important-full of insights into our most perplexing contemporary dilemmas * New York Times *

A remarkable classic, at last back in print. It is not (of course) about motorcycle maintenance, nor is it about a motorcycle journey (though, of course, it is, too). It is a guide, a life support system, a novel, a philosophical treatise, an attempt to analyse life, an examination of the nature of space and time... all things to most men (and women). This is perhaps the archetypal mind-stretching book: anyone who does not know it is missing something. (Kirkus UK)

Author Information

Robert M. Pirsig was born in 1928 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He holds degrees in chemistry, philosophy, and journalism and also studied Oriental philosophy at Benares Hindu University in India. He is the author of this book's sequel, entitled Lila.

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