The Deckle Edge, “a blog about books, libraries, books stores, and the ideas they contain,” recently posted a detailed review of Marc Adams’ new book, “The Difference Makers.”
In his review, Matthew Boutte, a Texas-based finance executive who is “a lover of many things, among them books,” writes: “As I step back and review ‘The Difference Makers’ as a cohesive work, rather than 30 individual profiles, two distinct themes emerge. The first of them is that of craftsmanship and how it is defined.”
Boutte shares some quotes from some featured makers as well as his own thoughts on craftsmanship, including this idea: “Craftsmanship then, is the relentless pursuit of excellence; the best you are able to do.”
Boutte then writes: “The second theme relates to the first: ‘The Difference Makers’ clearly illustrates that these people were driven to pursue excellence, to pursue craftsmanship, by something internal that would not be quenched and in virtually every case, resulted in years of economic hardship or the willingness to allow their art to be their passion while some other pursuit provided shelter and food.”
Boutte’s review is interesting in that while so much of the focus on this book has been on individual makers, he takes the time to point out some connecting threads – the themes that run true for many of those featured. Consider his observations about the number of makers featured who are left-handed compared to right.
You can read the entire piece here and be sure to check out Boutte’s other thoughtful reviews as well.
Oh, and Matthew, in answer to your question (“Embossed on the cover. What’s the story here?!?”), the diestamp on the interior cloth cover is a Tree of Life image that dovetails Marc’s preface and introduction. Thank you for finding it and noticing it, and thank you for the kind review!
— Kara Gebhart Uhl
Thanks for your review of my review and for all LAP does!