Matthew B. Crawford Book order (chronological)

Focusing on the needs of novice gladiolus enthusiasts, this book offers straightforward guidance on understanding and cultivating these flowers. Written in accessible language, it avoids technical jargon, making it ideal for beginners while still considering the interests of amateur growers. Although it is oriented towards commercial cultivation, the instructions are equally applicable to small gardens, ensuring that both aspiring and experienced gardeners can benefit from its practical advice.

From the author of "Shop Class as Soulcraft," this book celebrates driving as a vital expression of human freedom, now threatened by automation. Once, we experienced the open road filled with autonomy and adventure; today, we often find ourselves in the backseat of an Uber, as tech giants push us toward a self-driving future that prioritizes profit over personal agency. Are we destined to become mere passengers? This exploration reveals that much more is at stake. Matthew B. Crawford, a philosopher and mechanic, previously challenged the value of manual labor against the backdrop of white-collar work. Now, he uses driving to examine the broader impacts of technology on our lives, highlighting the driver's seat as a rare space for skill, exploration, and freedom. Blending philosophy with personal storytelling, Crawford shares his decade-long journey restoring a vintage Volkswagen and immersing himself in vibrant automotive subcultures. He offers a thoughtful critique of bureaucracies, the importance of questioning rules, and the struggle for self-determination in an age of surveillance capitalism. This work celebrates the competence of everyday people, the ingenuity of 'folk engineering,' and the existential thrill of embracing fear. Witty and insightful, it champions the indomitable human spirit.

Wir leben in einer Welt, die uns mit immer mehr und immer dauerhafteren Außenreizen bombardiert, nicht zuletzt durch Werbung. Wir verwenden einen Großteil unserer Aufmerksamkeit darauf, diese Reize zu verarbeiten, anstatt uns fokussiert und konstruktiv mit unserer Umgebung und uns selbst zu beschäftigen. Wir eignen uns die Welt kaum noch aktiv an, statt dessen wird sie uns aus zweiter Hand aufgedrängt — über die Vermittlung der Medien und nach den Vorgaben der Wirtschaft. Wie kann man unter solchen Bedingungen eine autonome Individualität entwickeln? Der Philosoph Matthew B. Crawford fordert: Wir müssen wieder lernen, uns zu fokussieren. Und wir müssen uns einen direkten Zugang zur Wirklichkeit erschließen — durch konkrete Tätigkeiten, zum Beispiel ein Handwerk oder eine Sportart. Nur auf diese Weise wird es uns gelingen, zu einem authentischen Individuum zu werden, das sich nicht nur durch äußere Einflüsse definiert, sondern sich durch eigenes Tun in der Welt behauptet.

"Crawford investigates the challenge of mastering one's own mind by showing that our current crisis of attention is only superficially the result of digital technology, and certain assumptions at the root of Western culture are the root of the cause"--Publisher information.

A philosopher and mechanic extolls the virtues of manual labor, describing how the satisfactions and challenges of creating with one's own hands promotes a sense of connection to life that office work suppresses.

Why do some jobs offer fulfilment while others leave us frustrated? In this inspiring and persuasive book, Matthew Crawford brings to life the immense psychological and intellectual satisfactions of making and fixing things, arguing that the skilled manual trades may be one of the few sure paths to a good living.