120,000+ Books, Games & Puzzles in-stock 🇳🇿

We're Moving! 🚚 We’ll be closed Fri, Sat & Sun. Open and Shipping again on Monday 🚀

The Art of Solitude

3.6 goodreads logo

Ratings/reviews counts are updated frequently.

Check link for latest rating.
( 1,054 ratings, 135 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Art of Solitude by Stephen Batchelor explores the concept of solitude as a source of creativity and self-discovery. The author reflects on his personal experiences, combining philosophical insights with reflections on art and nature. Batchelor invites readers to find meaning and clarity in moments of solitude, weaving together Eastern and Western traditions in a thoughtful meditation.
Read More
Format: Paperback / softback
$2899
AVAILABLE WITH SUPPLIER Ships from our Auckland warehouse within 3-4 weeks

Found a better price? Request a price match

Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

If you appreciate exploring inner peace and self-discovery, this book offers a profound reflection on the beauty and significance of solitude. It may appeal to you if you're interested in mindfulness practices and philosophical insights that encourage you to embrace solitude as a path to personal fulfilment and spiritual clarity.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

In a time of social distancing and isolation, a meditation on the beauty of solitude

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

In a time of social distancing and isolation, a meditation on the beauty of solitude from renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor

A Los Angeles Review of Books “Best of the Year” selection

“Whatever a soul is, the author goes a long way toward soothing it. A very welcome instance of philosophy that can help readers live a good life.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Elegant and formally ingenious.” — Geoff Wisner, Wall Street Journal

When world renowned Buddhist writer Stephen Batchelor turned sixty, he took a sabbatical from his teaching and turned his attention to solitude, a practice integral to the meditative traditions he has long studied and taught. He aimed to venture more deeply into solitude, discovering its full extent and depth.

This beautiful literary collage documents his multifaceted explorations. Spending time in remote places, appreciating and making art, practicing meditation and participating in retreats, drinking peyote and ayahuasca, and training himself to keep an open, questioning mind have all contributed to Batchelor’s ability to be simultaneously alone and at ease. Mixed in with his personal narrative are inspiring stories from solitude’s devoted practitioners, from the Buddha to Montaigne, from Vermeer to Agnes Martin.

In a hyperconnected world that is at the same time plagued by social isolation, The Art of Solitude shows how to enjoy the inescapable solitude that is at the heart of human life.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

Stephen Batchelor’s The Art of Solitude is highly praised for its originality and beautifully crafted prose, providing profound insights into the necessity and art of solitude. Critics commend its intimate, brave, and wise exploration of solitude, offering an illuminating journey into self-reflection and personal growth. The book is enriched by Batchelor's deep understanding of Buddhism and meditation, making it a valuable guide in today's fast-paced world.

Book Hero reading reviews

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780300261523

Publisher: Yale University Press

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 22 February 2022

Country: United States

Imprint: Yale University Press

Illustration: 1 b-w illus.

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 17.0mm

Width: 127.0mm

Height: 197.0mm

Weight: 250g

Pages: 200

About the Author

Stephen Batchelor is a teacher and scholar of Buddhism. He is the author of numerous works, including Buddhism Without Beliefs, Living with the Devil, Confession of a Buddhist Atheist, Secular Buddhism, and After Buddhism.

Also by Stephen Batchelor

View all
  • Medieval History For Dummies
    Rattle through 1000 years of horrible history, from the fifth century to the sixteenth century Famine, plague, and public execution – the medieval period wasn't the best time for some, but heroic rulers like Charlemagne, William the Conqueror, and Henry V made sure that it was full of action. Brimming with facts, this book helps you get under the skin...
    Paperback
    $4999
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • The Ancient Greeks For Dummies
    The civilisation of the Ancient Greeks has been immensely influential on the language, politics, educational systems, philosophy, science, and arts of Western culture. As well as establishing itself as the birthplace of the Olympics, Ancient Greece is famous for its literature, philosophy, mythology, and beautiful architecture, which attracts thousands of tourists every year. This entertaining guide introduces readers to the...
    Paperback
    $4499
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Buddha, Socrates, and Us
    A renowned Buddhist teacher turns to two of the most influential figures in history for guidance on how to face the ethical challenges of our time. Although they never met, Socrates and the Buddha were almost exact contemporaries. Each addressed, in a radically new and surprisingly similar way, the core questions of how to lead a good, just, and dignified...
    Hardback
    $4799
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • What is this?
    What is this? Ancient questions for modern minds presents talks given by Martine and Stephen Batchelor during a Sŏn (Chan/Zen) retreat in England in 2016. Leading us through the practice of radical questioning at the heart of this Korean Buddhist tradition, the authors show how anyone at all can benefit from this form of radical inquiry today. These talks demonstrate...
    Paperback
    $2999
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • After Buddhism
    A renowned Buddhist teacher’s magnum opus, based on his fresh reading of the tradition’s earliest texts Some twenty-five centuries after the Buddha started teaching, his message continues to inspire people across the globe, including those living in predominantly secular societies. What does it mean to adapt religious practices to secular contexts? Stephen Batchelor, an internationally known author and teacher, is...
    Paperback
    $3299
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks
  • Secular Buddhism
    An essential collection of Stephen Batchelor’s most probing and important work on secular Buddhism As the practice of mindfulness permeates mainstream Western culture, more and more people are engaging in a traditional form of Buddhist meditation. However, many of these people have little interest in the religious aspects of Buddhism, and the practice occurs within secular contexts such as hospitals,...
    Paperback
    $3099
    Available
    Ships in 3-4 weeks

More from Religion & Spirituality

View all
  • 2027 Witch's Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    From the bestselling authors of Spellcasting, which has now sold over 250,000 copies worldwide, comes the essential witchy journal to plan your days, harness magick, and connect with higher powers. Features include: 8" x 6" (8" x 12" open) Beautiful glossy gold gatefold cover Compact size, perfect to carry in your bag and keep on you throughout the day 12-month...
    Paperback
    $1999
    Elsewhere:
    $2299
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    Communion: Finding My Way Back to Faith
    From the bestselling author of Hillbilly Elegy – an intimate account of why Vice President JD Vance strayed from the Christianity of his youth and what led him back to faith. Communion is a spiritual exploration of what it means to be a Christian in all the seasons of life JD Vance has experienced – as a child, a young man,...
    Paperback
    $3199
    Elsewhere:
    $3699
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The King Is Coming
    Bestselling author John Bevere challenges Christians to take a fresh and honest look at one of the most often misunderstood and avoided truths of the Christian faith—the second coming of Jesus. Through personal testimony, biblical accuracy, and practical guidance, readers will be inspired to live a life of spiritual vigilance as they prepare for the glorious return of our King....
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3500
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • 2027 Lunar and Seasonal Diary - Southern Hemisphere
    Renowned witch Stacey Demarco helps you get the most out of the moon phases and seasons. This planner includes lunar timings and explanations of the moon phases and their impact on us along with practical magical suggestions to work with the energies of each season.Features include: • 8"" x 6"" planner (8"" x 12"" open) • Spiral binding allows the pages to...
    Paperback
    $2999
    Elsewhere:
    $3799
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NIV, Holy Bible, Economy Edition, Paperback, Comfort Print
    Hope for your everyday life. The New International Version of the Bible is today’s most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible, featuring extra helps that are ideal for evangelism and an easy-to-read Comfort Print® typeface, is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word in bulk through their outreach events. Features include: The full text of the accurate,...
    Paperback
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • New Release
    The Cauldron
    How did an elderly cleric overthrow the Shah of Iran and change the world?Why did Bin Laden attack the USA - and why did the USA destroy Saddam?How did Britain and France carve up the Middle East - and why did the Kurds never get their own state? THE ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO THE MAKING OF TODAY'S MIDDLE EAST: A SPELLBINDING...
    Hardback
    $4999
    Elsewhere:
    $6000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NKJV, Gift and Award Bible, Leather-Look, White, Red Letter, Comfort Print
    Commemorate a special accomplishment or event with a gift to be treasured for years to come. The popular and reliable New King James Version with the enhanced readability of Thomas Nelson’s custom NKJV font is now the perfect gift. The NKJV, Gift and Award Bible is a great way to recognise someone for a job well done. This special-occasion Bible...
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2000
    (1)
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • The Practice of Not Thinking
    Bestselling author and Zen priest Ryunosuke Koike teaches us how to reconnect with our five senses and move towards enlightenment. What would happen if we learnt to look instead of see, listen instead of hear, and feel instead of touch? With remarkable clarity, Ryunosuke Koike shares the ways we can incorporate Zen practice into our daily life, resulting in a...
    Paperback
    $2100
    Elsewhere:
    $2600
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • KJV Holy Bible: Economy Paperback: Beautiful. Trustworthy. Timeless, Comfort Print: King James Version
    The full text of the KJV with extra helps is an excellent Bible for a new Christian or someone interested in learning more about God. The King James Version of the Bible is the bestselling and most-read English translation of all time. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God’s Word through...
    Paperback
    $900
    Elsewhere:
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Tao Te Ching
    Whether or not Lao-Tzu was a historical figure is uncertain, but the wisdom gathered under his name in the 4th century BC is central to the understanding and practice of Taoism. One of the three great religions of China, Taoism is based upon a concept of the Tao, or Way, as the universal power through which all life flows. Tao...
    By Lao Tzu
    Paperback
    $1800
    Elsewhere:
    $2100
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • Mere Christianity
    Mere Christianity by C. S. Lewis is a profound literary work that offers a compelling and articulate exploration of the Christian faith. This timeless classic emerged from a series of radio talks given by Lewis during the dark days of World War II, where he aimed to demystify the essence of Christianity and present a logical case for its core...
    Paperback
    $1900
    Elsewhere:
    $2200
    In Stock
    Ships Monday
  • NIV, Economy Bible, Paperback
    The New International Version of the Bible is today's most popular modern-English translation. This low-cost Bible with extra helps is perfect for churches and ministries looking to distribute God's Word through their outreach events. Features include: Complete text of the New International Version NIV sectional headings Translator footnotes Plan of salvation Table of weights and measures
    Paperback
    $1000
    In Stock
    Ships Monday

Why buy from us?

Book Hero is not a chain store or big box retailer. We're an independent 100% NZ-owned business on a mission to help more Kiwis rediscover a love of books and reading!

Service & Delivery

Service & Delivery

Our warehouse in Auckland holds over 100,000 books, toys, board games and puzzles in-stock so you're not waiting for your order to arrive from overseas.

Auckland Bookstore

Auckland Bookstore

We're primarily an online store, but for your convenience you can pick up your order for free from our bookstore, which is right next door to our warehouse in Hobsonville.

Our Gifting Service

Our Gifting Service

Books make wonderful thoughtful gifts and we're here to help with gift-wrapping and cards. We can even send your gift directly to your loved one.