Golf in the Kingdom (An Esalen Book) [Hardcover]

Michael Murphy (Author)

Book Description

Series: An Esalen Book | Publication Date: May 3, 1972

A new deluxe edition of a golf classic by the director and co-founder of the Esalen Institute recounts the author's encounter with the mystical golf pro Shivas Iron and explains the philosophical truths to be gained from playing golf. 15,000 first printing.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Esalen Institute founder Michael Murphy's divine meditation on the royal and ancient game defied categorization when it was first published in 1972, and it still does. Instantly hailed as a classic, it is part novel, part philosophy, part myth, part mysticism, part enchantment, part golf instructional, and is altogether unique. This confluence of sports and the supernatural looks at both life and golf from the inside out. The book's central character is a wily Scotsman named Shivas Irons, a golf professional by vocation, and a shaman by design, who Murphy, as participant in his own novel, meets on the links of Burningbush, in 1956 Fife. The story of their round of golf together culminates in a wild night of whiskey and wisdom where their golf quite literally takes on a metaphysical glow as Shivas explains how the swing reflects the soul. It alters not only Murphy's game, it also radically alters his mind and inner vision--and it's truly unforgettable. For a golfer, Golf in the Kingdom is as essential as a set of clubs. --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

From Library Journal

This book offers a view of golf in a more philosophical and even mystical light. This 25th-anniversary edition includes additional reflections by Murphy. Though golf is definitely a fanatic's game, half of this is written for laughs.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 240 pages
• Publisher: Viking Adult; 1ST edition (May 3, 1972)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0670345296
• ISBN-13: 978-0670345298
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 6 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 3.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (58 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #743,577 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

22 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars May the Spirit of Golf Be With You!, May 8, 2001

By A Customer

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Golf in the Kingdom (Hardcover)

I read this book when it first came out and found it to be awe-inspiring. I've actually never read a book that has captivated me in the way in which this one has -- while reading it and the after-effect it has had on my life. Michael Murphy's writing abilities to captivate you on a mystical journey about golf of all things -- is just amazing! And the sequel "The Kingdom of Shivas Irons" is just as incredible. I love many things about golfing and these books have opened my interest to the world of golf even further. I was surprised by a few of the reviews which had a different experience reading this book. I think you either understand the essence of these stories or you don't, but if you do they leave you with an overwhelmingly profound feeling and deeper interest in golf.

15 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars If you're reading this line, read this classic!, July 21, 1999

By 

Jack Morris (Amityville, New York USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Golf in the Kingdom (Hardcover)

A delightful journey through Eastern and Western philosophy and mysticism fashioned by the master teacher and acclaimed 'human potential' researcher/philosopher/writer from Esalen. The fine writing combines the simplicity and depth of Steinbeck with more than touch of J.P. Donleavy's raucus good humor. Don't miss the opportunity to laugh at yourself and the human condition with Murphy's wonderful characters. You may want to improve your golf score and succeed by reading this book, but this is a work with the potential to transform your perspective on life. Murphy delivers this jewel with an elegance and wit worthy of the wonderful game he uses to convey his message. Treat yourself to a classic. Thank you Michael!

21 of 24 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Golf, the final frontier, September 7, 2000

By 

T. H. Mckinnie "Attorney at Large" (Franklin, TN USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Golf in the Kingdom (Paperback)

Read this book, and you'll really want to be a better golfer. It may not help your score (in fact, it will make you stop cheating and you'll have to deal with your real score), but it will give voice to strong feelings you probably have always had about the game, but may not have realized out on the muni.

What is our true relationship with nature? Shivas takes dead aim, and one round of golf will change you forever.

If you are one of those who understands that Caddyshack (the best movie about golf), like all great comedy, not only is fun to watch, but also actually changes the way you play golf (and do everything else), then you will find that GITK (the best book about golf), like all great philosophical art, not only is fun to read, but also actually changes the way you play golf (and do everything else).