Written in 1978, Lewis Hyde's "The Gift" was an instant classic, and remains near the top of the critical reading list for those who relish creativity and believe in the power of community. Hyde's storytelling capacity keeps the reader enraptured while he slowly opens our eyes to the life-affirming power of the arts, the manner in which artists relate to their craft and others within their communities, and how an understanding of these interactions can help communities create favorable conditions for all its members even within the context of capitalism as a driving economic force. Hyde also establishes important contexts for understanding the challenges surrounding creativity and individuals who structure their lives around creativity, offering insight and encouragement for members of the creative class. For voice users, this book helps to build a case for working toward paradigms of sharing that can ultimately diminish the silo effects that the voice community's response to market forces has led to. |