Guidebook to Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Morrow. Oct. 1990. c352p. ed. by Thomas J. Steele & Robert L. DiSanto. illus. bibliog. index. ISBN 0-688-08461-3. $22.95
[LITERATURE]


This is a supplement and guide to Robert Pirsig's 1974 best-seller Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (LJ 5/1/74), described by Robert M. Adams as "a novel, travelogue, a quest, a set of lectures and a secular confession, with some sketchy information on motorcycle maintenance thrown in for good measure." Editors Steele and DiSanto take us on another trip this time, offering a closer look at the philosophy and symbolism of Pirsig's work as they draw on critical essays encapsulated here and discussed in detail. The spirit of Pirsig's work shines once again as the authors re-examine the choppy brillance of the original text. Parts of Pirsig's unpublished original manuscript appear here, giving die-hard fans new insight. All libraries will want to reorder Pirsig's originial as well. Recommended.

Kevin M. Roddy, Oakland Public Library, California