Spirit Book Word [Paperback]

Porter (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 2001

In Spirit Book Word, J.S. Porter guides his readers through a set of 10 key words that capture the essence of the lives of some of the most compelling literary and philosophical voices of the past century and beyond. Included are Thomas Merton, Emily Dickinson, Dennis Lee, George Grant, and Flannery O'Connor. Porter has identified a special word that animates the life of each of his subjects and which casts light into the meaning of their life and work. "Quick" is the word-lens through which he views D. H. Lawrence and "Mercy" is the way he understands Thomas Merton. "Revelation" is his link to Flannery O'Connor, while "Love" is revealed in the poignant and grace-filled work of Raymond Carver. The writer J.S. Porter reveals himself as a supremely talented reader and guide to fellow readers as he explores some of the most spirit-filled writing of the last 150 years. "We readers are here to praise traces of the human spirit and the movement of the Spirit in the bookworld. Only the book recognizes that what is contained is more important than the container."

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Born in Belfast and educated in Canada, J.S. Porter is an accomplished poet, critic and teacher who now lives in Hamilton, Ontario. His poems, articles, reviews and essays have appeared in Quarry, Brick, The Ottawa Citizen, The Hamilton Spectator, The National Post and The Globe and Mail.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Editions Novalis (January 1, 2001)
• ISBN-10: 2895071705
• ISBN-13: 978-2895071709
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.4 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,952,521 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Praise...an expression of approval in words., July 13, 2003

By 

Frances Ward (Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirit Book Word (Paperback)

"Praise. That's what every devout reader learns in humble communion with the book and the word." (J.S. Porter, Spirit Book Word)...J.S. Porter communicates his personal passion intimately. With his honest observations and conversational style it is as though he is lying right next to you, looking up at the stars and pointing out what has always been there. I have nothing but praise for this intelligent yet spiritual analysis of literature and life as inseparable.

4.0 out of 5 stars An interesting tour and interpretation of literary styles, July 11, 2003

By 

Rob Clark (Hamilton, ON. Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Spirit Book Word (Paperback)

Spirit Book Word is one mans confession of his obsession with literature. John Porter lets us into his heart and his head, using ten of his favorite authors as a window. Some powerful insights combined with a penchant for explaining himself, John's critique/exploration is a refreshing look at literature from a man that has spent a lifetime with his passion.