The Mind of the Maker [Paperback]

Dorothy Sayers (Author)

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Meridian (January 1, 1959)
• ASIN: B002LXJKDC
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)

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44 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mind-Blowing, October 17, 2004

By 

C. T. Mikesell (near Dallas, Texas) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mind of the Maker (Paperback)

In Dorothy L. Sayers' book, The Mind of the Maker, between a fantastic discussion on creative writing (detective fiction, primarily) the author addresses two of the biggest sociological questions: "Who am I?" and "Why am I here?"

The answer to the first question is simply: a human created in God's image. The answer to the second question is a bit more complex, as Sayers first explores what God's image is, particularly the triune nature of the Christian deity. By comparing The Creator to an artist (primarily a creative writer, Sayers' forte), Sayers shows the purpose of life to be that of a creator as well.

While Sayers' analogy works best for those with an already artistic temperament, in her final chapters she addresses the question of what happens if you work on a toilet assembly line or some equally unglamorous profession. In the case of the toilet assembler, Sayers suggests that while he or she may simply be turning a screw, what's really being created is a more sanitary and hygienic world. She observes that individuals need to separate the value of money from the value of the work (why both capitalism and communism are, she says, ultimately dehumanizing) and find a higher purpose in one's occupation instead.

While rethinking one's purpose may be the over-all goal of the book, it certainly isn't the only subject addressed. The origin of evil, the difference between human and universal laws, free will, and some of the ancient creeds come up for discussion. If you've been confused by the topic of the Trinity, Sayers provides one of the best analogies I've ever read. If you've been stymied by skeptics accusing the church of casting God in man's image (instead of the other way 'round), Sayers' response alone is worth the purchase price of the book.

This is the first of Dorothy Sayers' theological books I've read. I've been a fan of her Lord Peter Wimsey detective novels, and read about this book in one of her biographies. I began reading the book expecting a treatise on creative writing, but was pleased to find so much more.

43 of 45 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent! Amazing discussion of the creative process., August 3, 1999

By 

A. Doug Floyd "pilgrim" (Louisville, TN United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Mind of the Maker (Paperback)

Sayers' uses the analogy of the creative process to explore the trinity, transcendence vs immanence of God, and other diffucult theological concepts. Her discussion not only enlightens our understanding of God, it has interesting implications for the creative process in general.

25 of 25 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, May 16, 2004

By 

Brandon Colas (Cedarville, Ohio United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Mind of the Maker (Paperback)

Although some would say this is more of a theological work than literary criticism, I believe it functions as a blend between the two.

Sayers' main thesis is that spiritual metaphors, such as the Trinity, are facts which explain how the world functions. Sayers then shows how spiritual metaphors can be understood as metaphors of the artist's creative activity.

Of special note: her theodicy is one of the strongest I've read, and her suggestions for the redemptive value of art (at the end of the book) are superb. If you're a Christian, this is worth your time. If you're not, but are willing to be challenged, you'll probably like this book too.