Daily Rituals: How Artists Work

Overview:

This book, written by Mason Currey, is a captivating read that provides the reader with an insight into the daily habits and routines of some of the most influential artists, writers, musicians, and scientists. From Beethoven to Proust, Currey presents a detailed account of the rituals that these creative individuals employed to stimulate their inspiration and bring forth their remarkable works.

Review:

Currey has done a phenomenal job in writing this book. It is a well-researched and meticulously crafted piece that is absolutely fascinating to read. The book is broken down into short daily entries that focus on a single artist and their daily routines. Each entry covers the subject’s waking hours, their rituals, and their work schedules. With this format, the reader is quickly drawn into the daily lives of these great thinkers and artists.

The breadth of artists covered in this book is impressive. The entries range from writers such as Truman Capote and Maya Angelou, to painters such as Picasso and Rothko, to scientists such as Darwin and Freud. It’s fascinating to see the similarities in the daily routines of these individuals who come from different backgrounds, cultures, and artistic or intellectual pursuits.

One of the most interesting themes that emerges from the book is the idea of structure creating freedom. Many of the artists featured in this book were extremely regimented in their daily routines, to the point of being almost obsessive. Yet in these routines, they found the structure and discipline that allowed them the creative freedom to bring their works to fruition.

Overall, Daily Rituals is a must-read for anyone interested in creativity, productivity, or the lives of prominent artists and intellectuals. It’s an easy book to dip in and out of, and each entry is filled with fascinating tidbits about the rituals that fueled these great minds.

If you enjoy learning about history’s innovative dreamers and doers through the minutiae of their daily lives, then Mason Currey’s Daily Rituals will make a welcome addition to your reading list.