Synopses & Reviews
Presents a collection of essays and book reviews covering a variety of topics in religion, philosophy, and literature.
Synopsis
Alan Jacobs is fond of the essay because it lets a writer do something that more formal pieces of writing cannot: follow the vagaries of the mind, let the writing follow its own path, encountering surprises and fresh insights along the way.
In this new collection, Jacobs offers essays for companionable wayfaring. To be a Christian, he says, is to be a wayfarer, to move hopefully towards a cherished goal. These essays are a wayfarers notes, a record of ideas and experiences encountered on the pilgrim path. Gathered here are pieces serious and comic, eloquent and interesting. Jacobs muses on the usefulness and dangers of blogging, the art of dictionary making, the world of Harry Potter, and an appreciation of trees. He also includes several book reviews, including a wickedly witty poem.
With Wayfaring, Jacobs continues his tradition of exploring Christian theology and experience by way of the essay, bringing serious musings within reach of us all.
Table of Contents
Introduction -- 1. Worlds of reading -- Sentences -- A commonplace book -- Robert Alter's fidelity -- A religion for atheists -- Bran flakes and harmless drudges -- On the recent publication of Kahlil Gibran's Collected Works -- The poet's prose -- The brightest heaven of invention -- Opportunity costs -- The youngest brother's tale -- 2. Signs and wonders -- Reading the signs -- The secret garden -- The life of trees -- Gardening and governing -- Blessed are the green of heart -- The end of friendship -- Do-It-Yourself tradition -- Choose life.