The Desiderata Of Happiness

Desiderata, that world-famous poem that begins, 'Go placidly amid the noise and haste', must be one of the best-loved poems in the English language, revered by many as the ideal philosophy of life. Few people realise that it was written in 1927 by the Indiana poet Max Ehrmann who died in 1945 and whose work, until the 1960s, was largely forgotten. This beautiful little book brings together more of the writings of this remarkable man, revealing a love of the world and a concern for its social problems that mark him as one of the greatest spokesmen of the twentieth century. Ehrmann was not afraid to express his thoughts about the evils and scandals he saw around him, and in his quest for contentment he turned to nature and the eternal passage of the seasons: his philosophical thoughts are a search for social truth and peace. Readers will find in his poems much that has relevance today. Through Ehrmann we are led to look again at our twenty-first century values and to turn for truth and reality to the essence of beauty and goodness that lies all around us, if we can but open our eyes to see.

Written 75 years ago, Desiderata achieved fame as the anthem of the sixties' hippie-dom - the subject of many millions of posters and handbills - and famously narrated by Les Crane in his 1971 song version of the poem. Over the years Desiderata has provided a kind and gentle philosophy, a refreshing perspective on life's bigger picture. This new presentation of the prose poem will bring it to the attention of a new generation. The origins of Desiderata were, for many years, shrouded in mystery. Once thought to have originated from St. Paul's Church in Baltimore, Maryland in the seventeenth century it was later discovered that American poet Max Ehrmann had written it in 1927. Presented in a refreshingly modern design, Desiderata will appeal to a younger generation looking to find the meaning of life, and to baby-boomers who'll recall Desiderata from their youth.

With new illustrations on virtually every page and a striking new jacket, this is a Desiderata for the '90s. This classic book of inspiration has sold more than 190,000 copies and continues to give comfort and cheer to new readers year after year. Line drawings.

The inspirational words of Ehrmann's timeless poem, written in 1927, are paired with Tauss's lyrical, full-color photos that illustrate the poem's wisdom and affirmation of life.

Each line of the poem Desiderata is accompanied by a color photograph of a horse or horses on opposite page.

Man’s best friend has always been a source of comfort and calm for owners--and that makes the combination of dogs and Desiderata such a superb match. Each phrase in the poem receives just the right accompanying image: a black Lab resting quietly on the beach illustrates "and remember what peace there may be in silence.” A cute mutt with its face cocked to the side--as if concentrating on a conversation--demonstrates what it means to "listen to others.” A pair consisting of one large and one small doggie reveals the truth that: "For always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.” Every dog lover will be charmed.

What could be more placid amid noise and haste than a cat staring quietly out into a dramatic skyscape, her soft fur reflecting the light? Or more peaceful than sleeping kittens cuddled up together in a pile? Does anything illustrate the idea of "being on good terms with all persons” more than a sweet, small feline sitting atop a large, calm dog? From photos of a meowing kitty ("speak your truth quietly and clearly”) to another happily licking her paw ("beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself”), this Desiderata will charm every cat lover and provide spiritual sustenance, too.

Nothing could more perfectly illustrate the "Desiderata"'s mood and meaning better than this gallery of innocent, adorable tots. A peacefully sleeping infant helps us remember "what peace there may be in silence" and a tiny hand gripping the edge of a crib shows exactly what it means to "nurture strength of spirit." It's an inspired and unusual pairing of words and images that would be the ideal gift for a mom-to-be at her baby shower, expectant grandparents, and every parent.