Description
THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLER
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER
SHORTLISTED FOR THE WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
SHORTLISTED FOR THE FOYLES NON-FICTION BOOK OF THE YEAR 2023
Many famed music producers are known for a particular sound that has its day and then ages out. Rick Rubin is known for something else: creating a space where artists of all different genres and traditions can home in on who they really are and what they really offer. He has made a practice of helping people transcend their self-imposed expectations in order to reconnect with a state of innocence from which the surprising becomes inevitable.
Over the years, as he has thought deeply about where creativity comes from and where it doesn't, he has learned that being an artist isn't about your specific output; it's about your relationship to the world. Creativity has a place in everyone's life, and everyone can make that place larger. In fact, there are few more important responsibilities.
The Creative Act is a beautiful and generous course of study that illuminates the path of the artist as a road we all can follow. It distils the wisdom gleaned from a lifetime's work into a luminous reading experience that puts the power to create moments - and lifetimes - of exhilaration and transcendence within closer reach for all of us.
About the Author
Rick Rubin is a nine-time GRAMMY-winning producer, named one of the '100 Most Influential People in the World' by TIME and 'The most successful producer in any genre' by Rolling Stone. He has collaborated with artists from Tom Petty to Adele, Johnny Cash to Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys to Slayer, The Strokes and System of a Down to Jay-Z.
@RickRubin
Reviews
This book is a companion to anyone on the creative path; for me, Rick Rubin's attention, consideration, ideas have dug themselves down deep into my consciousness and grown with my work, so that over time, I have found myself in the shelter of a huge resplendent tree, and remembered that it all started with a word or two from a person who really, really listened. May it start something similar in you -- KAE TEMPEST
A gorgeous and inspiring work of art on creation, creativity, the work of the artist. It will gladden the hearts of writers and artists everywhere, and get them working again with a new sense of meaning and direction. A stunning accomplishment -- ANNE LAMOTT
The legendary producer of artists from Adele to Black Sabbath, Johnny Cash to Jay-Z, distils the insights of a glittering career to reveal how to get the best out of musicians - and offers useful lessons for the rest of us in the process * * Financial Times * *
An existential enquiry into the nature of creativity, art and being part of the human race . . . a deep look at the most fundamental of human impulses * * Big Issue * *
Rick Rubin is the definition of a creative genius and he has put his wisdom in one place and it is possibly the most inspiring book on creativity I have ever read . . . For those wanting to feel some new life and confidence in their creative bones, this book is a godsend -- MATT HAIG
You'll probably read this extraordinary book four times. The first time, you'll gobble it up. The second time, you'll savour it. The third time, you'll take notes in the margins. But the fourth time, the fourth time it will be part of you as you create the work you were ready to ship -- SETH GODIN
A gorgeous, delicious and wildly practical interrogation of the creative process. A master of his craft, Rubin supplies rich insights, sound advice, helpful suggestions and supreme comfort to anyone living to create, or endeavouring to live creatively -- JJ ABRAMS
I want my kids to read it. I want everyone to read it. It is a manual for creativity and creative thinking. A reference book for now which will continue to be of service in the future. Much needed -- MIKE D
In this extraordinary book, Rick Rubin beautifully captures the sacred but commonplace practice of creating. I find it so powerful when someone gives voice or form to what we know but perhaps don't understand. Designers from any discipline will find Rick's words profoundly encouraging and inspiring -- SIR JONY IVE
A distillation of the wisdom Rubin has accrued over decades of bringing records to fruition . . . Seductive * * Guardian * *
Awards
Short-listed for Waterstones Book of the Year 2023.
Book Information
ISBN 9781838858636
Author Rick Rubin
Format Hardback
Page Count 432
Imprint Canongate Books
Publisher Canongate Books
Weight(grams) 604g
Dimensions(mm) 222mm * 162mm * 38mm