Golf in the Kingdom (Abacus Books) - Softcover

MURPHY, MICHAEL

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0349124647 ISBN 13: 9780349124643

Publisher: SPHERE, 1976

Synopsis

A new deluxe edition of a golf classic by the director and co-founder of the Esalen Institute recounts the author's encounter with the mystical golf pro Shivas Iron and explains the philosophical truths to be gained from playing golf. 15,000 first printing.

About this title

Review

Esalen Institute founder Michael Murphy's divine meditation on the royal and ancient game defied categorization when it was first published in 1972, and it still does. Instantly hailed as a classic, Golf in the Kingdom is an altogether unique confluence of fiction, philosophy, myth, mysticism, enchantment, and golf instruction. The central character is a wily Scotsman named Shivas Irons, a golf professional by vocation and a shaman by design, whom Murphy, as participant in his own novel, meets in 1956 on the links of Burningbush, in Fife. The story of their round of golf together culminates in a wild night of whiskey and wisdom where, as Shivas demonstrates how the swing reflects the soul, their golf quite literally takes on a metaphysical glow. The events alter not only Murphy's game, but they also radically alter his mind and inner vision; it's truly unforgettable. For a golfer, Murphy's masterpiece is as essential as a set of clubs.

From the Publisher

A classic tale of sport and mysticism, here in a brand new audio production.

"Michael Murphy was on his way from California to India when he met Shivas Irons on a golfing links he calls Burningbush, in Scotland. They played 18 holes together and had a second go at the devilish 13th hole in the middle of a wild whiskey night--a mythic round that profoundly altered Murphy's game and his vision. . . Murphy's book is going to alter many visions. He's written a mystical tale capable of winning a constituency. I totally believed it and loved it."
--Nancy Weber, The New York Times Book Review

"Golf in the Kingdom is a fascination...[Murphy has] put a lot of fine thoughts together here, most gracefully, and the book should have a long and prosperous life."
--Joseph Campbell

"Golf a mere game? A mirror of life? Something metaphysical and/or mystical? All of the above? Shivas Irons, a magical Scottish golf professional, puts those questions to all of us. Superb."
--C. Grant Spaeth, President, United States Golf Association

Edition details

• Publisher: SPHERE
• Publication date: 1976
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0349124647
• ISBN 13: 9780349124643
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 176