Pirsig’s publishing house, William Morrow, announced that he died Monday April 24 at his home in South Benwick, Maine at the age of 88. ‘Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance’ was published in 1974 and was based on a motorcycle trip Pirsig took in the late 1960s with his son, Chris, from Minneapolis. Minnesota to San Francisco.
It went on to sell more than 5 million copies worldwide and was praised as a unique and masterful blend of narrative and philosophy. It was compared by a New Yorker critic to ‘Moby Dick.
It took Robert Pirsig 4 years to write it. Before it became a million-selling classic book, it was rejected by more than 100 publishers. (
photo 1974 courtesy Pirsig’s Publishing)
RIP Mr. Persig and thanks for your incredible book.
R.I.P. Robert . For such a tortured soul * you certainly had a significant impact on many people ( including myself ) across all spectrums cultures and divides within and outside the world of M/C’s , Zen , philosophy etc .
” Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance ” A timeless book for anyone searching for the meaning of quality and the relation of man to his surroundings be they mechanical , electronic or natural
* Robert Pirsig was a diagnosed schizophrenic . Writing ZAMM was his way of dealing and overcoming his condition choosing creativity over destruction .
I read this in the late 70’s and remember how much it revealed about life itself. I still have my copy and just now decided it is time to re-read it. RIP Mr. Pirsig.
A recommendation both to first time as well as long time readers ;
” Zen and Now ; On the Trail of Robert Pirsig and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance ”
by Mark Richardson
Gone, but never to be forgotten. RIP Mr. Pirsig. I have read ZAMM more than once. It has inspired me and continues to inspire me as it does many others.
“zikhrono livrakha “
They do not write them like that anymore…
Now, I hope he is reunited with his son Chris, who was killed in San Francisco in 1979 during a mugging. God rest both of their souls.
RIP Robert. At times I will turn to any page and read. peace
Then we had Zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Now we have baggers. : (
Read it back then, when I was a young motorcyclist , and am re-reading it now.
With so many more miles on me now, it’s message has changed in so many ways…or, I guess, I did.
Funny and sad that there are so few comments on this.
RIP, Phaedrus.
Amazing book. RIP !