Everyday Spirits

David Appelbaum is Professor of Philosophy at State University of New York, College at New Paltz. He is the author of Voice, also published by SUNY Press.

"Appelbaum is creating a whole arena of inquiry by bringing serious and beautiful metaphysical ideas into relationship with everyday life and things. In its quiet way, it is a pioneering work, potentially quite important. The freshness and combination of philosophy and poetry make it original, bold, and gentle." — Jacob Needleman"This is a book of remarkable tenderness and depth. It explores through the usually unnoticed features of everyday life the core of human existence. Eloquent and wise, this is a work of excellence that is a pleasure to read."While most books are 10 percent original insight spread through 90 percent of other stuff, this book is more than 90 percent fresh illumination. The brilliance of such originality glows. It reads beautifully, like a poetic narrative, a gentle meditation, an inviting reverie." — Robert Ginsberg, The Pennsylvania State University

• Preface Introduction Part One Sindbad 1. Lullaby 2. The Blink 3. The Gift 4. Grip 5. Vows 6. Jack Frost 7. Daffodils Part Two Eumaeus 8. Houseguests 9. Keys 10. The Kitchen Fire 11. The Wash 12. Money 13. Craft 14. New Year's Eve/The Feast Part Three Siddhartha 15. The Hunter 16. Rivers/Ferries 17. Rope 18. Shadows 19. The Desert 20. Measure 21. The Bowl Part Four Lao Tzu 22. Ink 23. The Laugh 24. Ladders 25. Wild Geese 26. The Frontier Guard 27. Wind 28. The Toast