A book which speaks directly to the confusions and agonies of existence, detailing a personal, philosophical odyssey.

'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

Details

ISBN13: 9780099786405
Format: Paperback / softback
Number of Pages: 432
Edition:
Publication Date: 01 Mar 2008
Publisher: Vintage Publishing
Publication City, Country: London, United Kingdom
Dimensions (cm): 19.7(H)x12.9(L)x2.9(W)298
Weight (gm): 298

Author Biography

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.

Reviews

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 brilliant and original book... A path-finding attempt to examine and solve our contemporary ills. Everybody should read it. * The Guardian *
The Wholly convincing American narrator moves seamlessly between narrative, metaphysics and the fringes of insanity. * The Observer *
I think Mr. Pirsig has written a work of great, perhaps urgent, importance ... Read this book. * The Observer *