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 ...
Read More
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
Read Less
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry to cart. $1.51, good condition, Sold by Jenson Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Logan, UT, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Atlanta rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Brownstown, MI, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Dallas rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to cart. $2.44, fair condition, Sold by ThriftBooks-Baltimore rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Halethorpe, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to cart. $2.47, good condition, Sold by Seattle Goodwill rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Seattle, WA, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
May have some shelf-wear due to normal use. Your purchase funds free job training and education in the greater Seattle area. Thank you for supporting Goodwill's nonprofit mission!
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: An Inquiry to cart. $10.95, like new condition, Sold by GreatBookPrices rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Columbia, MD, UNITED STATES, published 1991 by Vintage Classics.
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Fine. B-format paperback. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
Add this copy of Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance: an Inquiry to cart. $14.07, fair condition, Sold by The Monster Bookshop rated 2.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Fleckney, UNITED KINGDOM, published 1991 by Vintage.
An oldie book that I read many years ago and just reread . Sort of a classic, to me at least (has been through 25 printings). A book about one man's search for "Quality" and how it drove him crazy (he has a 170 IQ). Set in a motorcycle trip with his son across America, from Minnesota to the Pacific. Hard to believe, but when you finish, you'll be glad you read it.
Jongo
Apr 3, 2009
The Zen of criticism
In this book, Pirsig challenges American universities and the origins of western thought (Plato & Aristotle); arguably he tears the mansion of western thought down to its foundation. As he searches for "quality" his journey takes him to insanity and beyond. Similar to Thoreau's Walden, this book is dense and a slow read; the subject matter is not light. This book is a key point in both American Literature and American Thought. Oh, did I mention that his philosophical journey is paralleled by a motorcycle trip the narrator is taking with his young son?
A great book, Pirsig is a decent writer and a transcendent thinker.
gregory731
Nov 13, 2008
One of My Top 5
I first read this book as a recent college graduate when it came out in the 70's. I understood less of it then than I think I understand now. It is compelling for the author's internal dialogue and honesty. Pirsig traces his life's journey, including the management of mental illness, his troubled children, his rocky marriage, and his struggle with his life work, by analogy to the joys and mishaps of riding across the American Northwest on his motorcyle. He rarely, if ever, mentions Zen, which is the best way for the reader to experience it, but Zen is the energizing power behind his story telling and the philosophical framework of the quest. I have re-read it now at least a half dozen times. As I have grown older it has clarified more and more of my own quests and joys in work, family, spiritual questions and answers. It has been central in framing my view of reality. The first edition copy I found on Alibris is nearly perfect and is a treasure in my library. I recommend this work as a classic, and as a friend to return to every few years. It is worth the intellectual stretch it may take to grasp the author's philosophical dialogue. I would love to be able to encounter it for the first time again.
Swede
Oct 25, 2007
Well worth my time
A book to read a few pages, then ponder, read a few then ponder. Not one to be rushed through. Lots of insights.