A Craftsman’s Legacy: Why Working with Our Hands Gives Us Meaning by Eric Gorges with Jon Sternfeld (Algonquin).
TV personality and metalworker, Eric Gorges, is on a mission to celebrate craftsmanship. And he’s right on brand with his new book, A Craftsman’s Legacy: Why Working with Our Hands Gives Us Meaning. Eric presents a mélange of makers, from woodworker, glassblower, and stone carver to blacksmith, spinner, and husband-and-wife chocolatiers , including many guests from Eric’s show that is also called A Craftsman’s Legacy. And they share with Eric their space, time, skill, and philosophy. Gorges, in turn, shares his story with us.
Part memoir, part blue-collar manifesto, Eric’s book examines finding your path, the importance of failure, and the healing power of working with your hands. His infectious enthusiasm shines through as he preaches the gospel of handwork.
Legacy is an easy and inspiring read. While somewhat philosophical, the book isn’t stuffy, and we need Eric’s ideas now more than ever in our modern have-it-now, disposable culture. I enjoyed the tome and highlighted quite a few quotes that I'll revisit whenever I start to drift off course toward the easy path.
Eric Gorges is the host of the American Public Television show, A Craftsman’s Legacy, and the owner of Detroit-based custom motorcycle shop, Voodoo Choppers. Click here to view an interview with Eric.
Algonquin Books of Chapel Hill (5/7/19), $24.95 trade paper (256p) ISBN 978-1-61620-836-3
