Pure Act: The Uncommon Life of Robert Lax
Written by Michael N. McGregor
Narrated by Joe Knezevich
4.5/5
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About this audiobook
In his early life, as he alternated working at The New Yorker, writing screenplays in Hollywood and editing a Paris literary journal with studying philosophy, serving the poor in Harlem and living in a sanctuary high in the French Alps, Lax pursued an approach to life he called pure act―a way of living in the moment that was both spontaneous and practiced, God-inspired and self-chosen. By devoting himself to simplicity, poverty and prayer, he expanded his capacity for peace, joy and love while producing distinctive poetry of such stark beauty critics called him “one of America’s greatest experimental poets” and “one of the new ‘saints’ of the avant-garde.”
Written by a writer who met Lax in Greece when he was a young seeker himself and visited him regularly over fifteen years, Pure Act is an intimate look at an extraordinary but little-known life. Much more than just a biography, it’s a tale of adventure, an exploration of friendship, an anthology of wisdom, and a testament to the liberating power of living an uncommon life.
Editor's Note
Acting authentically…
Part biography, part memoir, McGregor details the unexpected twists and turns in the life of poet Robert Lax, one of McGregor’s good friends. Lax lived a life worthy of his surname: Searching for simplicity, beauty, and wonder. There’s plenty here about leading an authentic life that’s particularly useful in our social media-addicted, busy, busy, busy society.
Michael N. McGregor
Michael N. McGregor is a Professor of English and Creative Writing at Portland State University. He has lectured at universities, conferences, and community events on both Robert Lax and Thomas Merton and is a member of Biographers International Organization and the International Thomas Merton Society.
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Reviews for Pure Act
39 ratings4 reviews
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A beautiful book about a man of simple means but with multitudes of friends, because he loved the “other”. He gave Thomas Merton more than Merton gave him in terms of insight about the Ground of all Being. What a wonderful and well written book. I am so glad I found it.
- Rating: 4 out of 5 stars4/5A devoted, determined young man who struggled to find his niche here om earth. His story is both touching and interesting as it unfolds. Despite some doubts he continued towards his goals.
Talented, he contributed with some new and novel presentation ideas.
I learnt a lot from this novel, not only regarding poetry and publishing, but of this mans perseverance and the ideals that prompted him to continue his search and achieve his goals. - Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5I wish I could live the life how he lived
- Rating: 5 out of 5 stars5/5A must read! Bob Lax was a saint for sure.
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