The Spirituality of Wine

by Tom Harpur

Book Overview

Few things in life can compare with the experience of sitting at a table, enjoying fine food, and taking the time to share a glass of wine. Such moments make us rich beyond compare. They transform our... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1896836631
• ISBN13: 9781896836638
• Release Date: January 2004
• Publisher: Northstone Publishing
• Length: 158 Pages
• Weight: 1.75 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.7" x 8.8" x 9.2"

Customer Reviews

High spirits

When I first received this book, I showed it to a friend as I pulled it out the box, and she took it and couldn't put it down. Every turn of the page generated another 'OOO!' and 'AAHH!' Visually, this is a breath-taking book. The photographs generously scattered throughout the text give a sense in images of the richness of the tastes and smells of the wines being discussed. Every page is a glossy, full-colour process piece, with colours, fonts and backgrounds that complement the subject matter gracefully. The visual impact of the book is matched by the wonderful flow of the narrative text - in this book, Harpur explores the history of wine and winemaking, drawing in elements of art, cuisine, technology, and spirituality. Wine has long been a staple in the celebrations and ceremonies of many different religions; the cultivation of Christianity around the world for many centuries coincided with the cultivation of vineyards. 'No other agricultural pursuit from the dawn of time has more truly portrayed, and at the same time sacramentally conveyed, the essence of the deepest spiritual realities of our lives.' Harpur likens the cycle of winemaking with the cycle of life (and quotes both Julia Child and Robert Fuller in a similar vein). Harpur also shows a connection with the earth, with the sun, and with each other through the mode of wine. He draws on quotations from a vast number of sources (theological sources are but one; these include Wesley, Tillich, Calvin, John Chrysostom, the Talmud, and others). Harpur at the same time is very personal in his approach to the subject - it both begins and ends with his own experiences, including his memory of his first sip of wine, and his first trip to the Bordeaux region of France. Harpur also includes anecdotal stories of the medicinal qualities of wine, both in the past and in his own past. The connection of the health-ful and the spiritual in various ways no doubt contributed to the connection of mystical and spiritual significance to wine as well. Continuing in the personal manner, Harpur draws a lot his Canadian experience into the picture. Without neglecting other parts of the world, he does give a special nod to stories set in and about Canada (as befits Harpur's role as one of the better-known spiritual authors in Canada). This is a wonderful book, one that makes a great gift and as great treat for oneself.