Matthew B. Crawford's Shop Class as Soulcraft resonates with readers for its thoughtful exploration of manual labor's philosophical and practical merits. Praised for blending personal narrative with social critique, the book sometimes overgeneralizes modern work cultures, yet successfully champions the self-sufficiency and satisfaction in skilled trades.

Readers who appreciate Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance by Robert M. Pirsig or Walden by Henry David Thoreau will enjoy Shop Class as Soulcraft by Matthew B. Crawford. This book appeals to those interested in philosophy, manual labor, and the search for meaning in a technology-driven world.

In Shop Class as Soulcraft, Matthew B. Crawford, a mechanic with a doctorate in philosophy, emphasizes the value of vocational work, critiquing society's shift towards college-prep education while underscoring what we lose by devaluing manual labor. He argues for a deeper connection with tangible tasks and shares his experiences to illustrate how working with one's hands fosters problem-solving, creativity, and self-reliance.

Contemplative / Informative / Inspirational

Matthew B. Crawford

Adult

Book

Nonfiction

Guide

Study Guide

Before You Read

Explore Shop Class as Soulcraft reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read Shop Class as Soulcraft | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Shop Class as Soulcraft and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Shop Class as Soulcraft Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Introduction-Chapter 3	

Shop Class as Soulcraft Introduction-Chapter 3	 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 4-6

Shop Class as Soulcraft Chapters 4-6 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 7-8	

Shop Class as Soulcraft Chapters 7-8	 Summary & Analysis

keyFigure

Key Figures

Shop Class as Soulcraft Key Figures

theme

Themes

Shop Class as Soulcraft Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Shop Class as Soulcraft Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

character

Important Quotes

Shop Class as Soulcraft Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Shop Class as Soulcraft Essay Topics

Shop Class as Soulcraft

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Shop Class as Soulcraft?

Reading Age

Book Details