On the Shoreline of Knowledge: Irish Wanderings

“Chris Arthur writes the kind of essays you rarely see anymore, the deeply meditative kind that shine with associative light, that humbly approach the vast complexity of the world in hopes of making some small bit of sense. He valiantly carries on the long, glorious tradition of making art out of thinking with On the Shoreline of Knowledge, a truly lovely book and a pure joy to read.”–Patrick Madden, author, Quotidiana

“A remarkable demonstration of the kind of talented free association that characterizes the personal essay at its most imaginative.”–Vivian Gornick, author, The Men in My Life

“Chris Arthur is among the very best essayists in the English language today. He is ever mindful of the genre’s long literary tradition and understands–as did his great predecessors–that the genuine essay is grounded in the imagination, in our quest for art and beauty, as deeply as is poetry or painting. Every young writer who wants to experience the creative possibilities of the essay form must read Chris Arthur–it isn’t an option.”–Robert Atwan, series editor, The Best American Essays

Chris Arthur has published several books of essays, including Irish Nocturnes, Irish Willow, Irish Haiku, Irish Elegies, and Words of the Grey Wind. He lives in Fife, Scotland.