One of the most influential thinkers of our time Sunday Times Masterly Economist The best book I have read for ages ... a profound exploration of modern education, work and capitalism ... I happen to know it is in [Education Secretary] Mr Gove's in-tray ... its analysis applies with horrible precision to our education system -- Matthew d'Ancona Telegraph A philosophy of how life should be lived, how children should be educated and how economies should be run ... Full of interesting stories and thought-provoking apercus enlivened with humour ... Important, memorable and enjoyable -- Louis de Bernieres The Times A next-generation Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance to rally the millions who feel emotionally disconnected from work Financial Times A powerful new book -- David Willetts, Universities and Science Minister Telegraph Persuasive and timely The Times A deep exploration of craftsmanship by someone with real hands-on knowledge. Quirky, surprising and moving -- Richard Sennett A stunning indictment of the modern workplace ... Crawford points in the direction of a richer, more fulfilling way of life. This is a book that will endure -- Reihan Salam The Atlantic A beautiful little book about human excellence New York Times A superb combination of testimony and reflection, and you can't put it down -- Harvey Mansfield, Professor of Government at Harvard A bestseller in the United States, but its critique of 'post-industrial' capitalism is equally pertinent here ... Will be enjoyed for its iconoclasm, swagger and dry humour Telegraph No one who cares about the future of human work can afford to ignore this book -- Jackson Lears, editor of Raritan A masterpiece filled with surprises Dallas Morning News The best self-help book that I've ever read. Kind of like Heidegger and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance Slate A breakout success ... touched a big nerve, quickly becoming a national best seller and generating widespread publicity New York Times A surprise hit ... Americans, perhaps, have found their guide Financial Times While the specifics come from American experience, almost everything in the book also holds true for Britain -- Ian Jack Guardian May upend your preconceptions about labour and, just maybe, cause you to rethink your career (or how you spend your weekends) ... Impassioned and profound Washington Post [A] tender, wise little volume ... Crawford is a kindred spirit -- Lionel Shriver Elegant and humorous The Times A short book that punches hard and deserves to spark off a wide debate Herald Scotland The sleeper hit of the publishing season Boston Globe

Matthew Crawford is a philosopher and mechanic. He has a Ph.D. in political philosophy from the University of Chicago and served as a postdoctoral fellow on its Committee on Social Thought. Currently a fellow at the Institute for Advanced Studies in Culture at the University of Virginia, he also runs Shockoe Moto, an independent motorcycle repair shop.