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, ...
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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.
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Add this copy of Grain of Truth: the Ancient Lessons of Craft to cart. $16.99, very good condition, Sold by A Good Read rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Toronto, ON, CANADA, published 2001 by Macfarlane Walter & Ross.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good dust jacket. 1551990652. 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.
Add this copy of Grain of Truth: the Ancient Lessons of Craft to cart. $18.99, fair condition, Sold by Russell Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Victoria, BC, CANADA, published 2001 by MacFarlane Walter & Ross.
Add this copy of Grain of Truth; the Ancient Lessons of Craft to cart. $20.00, very good condition, Sold by Bison Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from winnipeg, MB, CANADA, published 2001 by Macfarlane Walter & Ross.
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Seller's Description:
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.
Add this copy of Grain of Truth: the Ancient Lessons of Craft to cart. $21.95, like new condition, Sold by Judith Patton rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Burlington, ON, CANADA, published 2001 by MacFarlane Walter & Ross.
Add this copy of Grain of Truth: the Ancient Lessons of Craft to cart. $29.00, very good condition, Sold by Hourglass Books rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Vancouver, BC, CANADA, published 2001 by Macfarlane Walter & Ross.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good+ in Very Good+ jacket. Book. Signed by Author(s) 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.