The Art of Astonishment: Reflections on Gifts and Grace

The Art of Astonishment is a 2023 Next Generation Indie Book Award winner in Non-Fiction, exploring the intellectual, religious, and philosophical history of the gift and the interconnected story of grace. It covers a range of materials from ancient texts to contemporary literature, examining the nature of social and communal obligation, the role of the intellectual in times of crisis, and the pleasures of reading.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 10 March 2022
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

Alice Brittan's captivating book, "The Art of Astonishment," delves into the intricate tapestry of the gift's intellectual, religious, and philosophical heritage, weaving together a captivating narrative that explores the origins and profound effects of grace. Spanning a vast array of materials, from ancient epics like "The Epic of Gilgamesh" and "The Iliad" to the works of renowned authors such as the Brothers Grimm, Montaigne, C.S. Lewis, Toni Morrison, J.M. Coetzee, Elena Ferrante, Karl Ove Knausgaard, and Jhumpa Lahiri, Brittan skillfully navigates between personal anecdotes, mythological narratives, theological discussions, literary analysis, and social commentary. Through her insightful examinations, Brittan delves into the essence of social and communal obligation, the role of the intellectual in times of crisis, and the sheer joy of reading itself.

In the contemporary world, grace may be perceived as a captivating and sophisticated trait that adds charm to our lives, yet it remains merely a supplemental aspect rather than a cornerstone of our existence or the principles that unite or divide us. Nevertheless, for countless generations, grace has been acknowledged as a vital force in nurturing the vitality of our inner selves and facilitating significant shifts in perspective and legislation that enhance our collective well-being. Moreover, grace remains awe-inspiring, exhibiting its profound insights in "The Art of Astonishment." Brittan unveils the breadth of grace as encompassing both the sacred and secular, the ancient and the modern, the lived experiences and the literary creations. By doing so, she reveals how the act of reading itself resembles grace—a social yet personal endeavor that brings pleasure and fulfillment.

In conclusion, "The Art of Astonishment" is a remarkable work that offers a profound exploration of the gift's history, significance, and enduring power. Through Brittan's meticulous research, captivating storytelling, and insightful analysis, readers are invited to embark on a journey that spans time, cultures, and disciplines, shedding light on the profound impact of grace on our lives and society as a whole. This book is a testament to the power of literature and the enduring relevance of philosophical and theological inquiry, reminding us of the beauty and complexity of the human experience.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781501383564