A Philosophy of Walking

This beautiful, gentle, inspiring book is an almost perfect treasure. In part, an exploration of some great thinkers and creators, and the link between their inspiration and the physical act of walking, in part, a journey in itself into what happens to us, physically, spiritually, emotionaly, when we walk on the earth. One or two of the case studies of the thinkers I found the link between walking and their work a little tenuous, though none the less fascinating for that. For most, the references, insights and quotations are profound. As a walker, and as someone who works creatively with the act and art of walking, I found this book essential and transformative reading, written with a lightness of touch that belies its depth - a bit like the gentle act of walking itself. Whatever your interest in walking, read this book. I feel its insights have been essential in restoring my relationship with the earth which I gently walk on, and with myself as a human, the walking animal. I recommend reading it with a pencil to hand, in the open air.

A philosophy of walking changes an unconscious process into a considered experience whether a relaxing stroll or ones journey to work. Interesting historic facts cause one to actually think about "what one is doing". Eyes open, senses primed the world in all its guises takes on a new and fresh appearance.

This book is about people who walk and the effect it had on their lives and philosophy. It has some fascinating sections and if that is what you are interested in I would recommend it. It is not the usual sort of travelogue. If you are interested in philosophers and walking then this will interest you. It will not appeal to everyone.

A friend had recommended this book so I wanted to read it. I have been savoring the chapters - just reading it very slowly before falling asleep. I have learned more about various philosophers who were major walkers. After reading the book I will want to find works by some of the philosophers Frederic Gros writes about.

A selection of writings about walking and philosophers. An interesting, though somewhat repetitive read at times. Sometimes seems to get a little lost, but that isn't always a bad thing when out for a walk.

Very interesting book overing many different issues, it is written in a light manner and not to heavy going. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in walking. There is also a great audio lecture by Tate of Frederic discussing the book.

Husband pleased with this and very quick delivery

For anyone into walking, this is a most excellent book. Apart from the physical benefits, it highlights the many and varied metaphysical benefits/interpretations we enjoy edwhen we lose ourselves in thought, particularly when walking by ourselves. Highly recommend!

wonderful read for Hikers

El libro es bastante interesante con frases que quedan para siempre. El transporte, fatal. Aconsejo utilizar Correos y nunca el transporte que Amazón tiene contratado.

Das Buch lädt zum Nachdenken und Entschleunigen ein. Frédéric Gros verbindet seine persönliche Gedanken übers Gehen mit den Ideen großer Philosophen. Absolute Empfehlung für alle, die Natur, Freiheit und Reflexion suchen

A treatise to savour

you have to wonder where the author is going with a title like A Philosophy of Walking. will it be a zen study, a history of walking, a testimony to the joy of walking, a how to book? is there a philosophy of walking? Frederic gros, french philosopher, believes so. he frames his study using category and eminent men who walked, the philosophers, kant and nietzsche among them, and poets, rimbaud and wordsworth, all different kinds of walkers; the differences not solely through the experiences of the famous men who walked, gros writes of different types of walking, the promenade, the pilgrimage, the flaneur strolling the streets of the city. when done with his pleasant study, which reads too smoothly to feel like philosophy, i was left with a sense of testimony, to share and compare my moments outside, of placing one foot before the other foot among the walks described by gros. among his omissions are the forced marches of people removed from their homeland that can be talked about as well. and well within the limitations of gros’ study is the absence of exhaustion, itself a state of being achieved by monks who undertook walking as a spiritual calling. philosophy is here, but one need not see it and that’s good.