Rules for a Knight - by Ethan Hawke (Hardcover)

About the Book

"It is 1483, and Sir Thomas Lemuel Hawke, a Cornish knight, is about to ride into battle. On the eve of his departure, he composes a letter to his four young children, consisting of twenty virtues that provide instruction on how to live a noble life, and on all the lessons, large and small, that he might have imparted to them himself were he not expecting to die on the battlefield. "Why am I alive? Where was I before I was born? What will happen to me when I die? Whatever well our lives are drawn from, it is deep, wild, mysterious, and unknowable..."Rules for a Knight is many things: a code of ethics; an intimate record of a lifelong quest; a careful recounting of a knight's hardest won lessons, deepest aspirations, and most richly instructive failures; and an artifact, a relic of a father's exquisite love. Drawing on the ancient teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy and religion, on literature, and poetry, and on the great spiritual and political writings of our time, Ethan Hawke has written a parable that--in the story of a young man's journey toward a life of authenticity and meaning--captures the instinctive movement of the heart toward truth and beauty. Rules for a Knight has the appeal of Arthurian legend; the economy of Aesop; and the vitality, intelligence, and risk-taking that could only emanate from Ethan Hawke"--

Book Synopsis

An unforgettable fable about a father's journey and a timeless guide to life's many questions--from Ethan Hawke, four-time Academy Award nominee, twice for writing and twice for acting.

A knight, fearing he may not return from battle, writes a letter to his children in an attempt to leave a record of all he knows. In a series of ruminations on solitude, humility, forgiveness, honesty, courage, grace, pride, and patience, he draws on the ancient teachings of Eastern and Western philosophy, and on the great spiritual and political writings of our time. His intent: to give his children a compass for a journey they will have to make alone, a short guide to what gives life meaning and beauty.

Review Quotes

"A guide for living an upright and noble life."
--The New Yorker

"Hawke (Ash Wednesday) pens a heartwarming, medieval tale on ethics . . . an easy and endearing read, perfect for young and old children alike."
--Publishers Weekly

"Philosophy lovers will enjoy the Eastern and Western philosophical musings, but everyone will enjoy the touching storyline."
--Metro

"Hawke's book of wisdom declaring life to be a gift should be pondered."
--Booklist

"Entertaining and insightful."
--The Buffalo News

"A deliciously digestible read. . . . Read this book. You'll be reminded of just how powerful simple gestures can be when they're fueled by passion and purpose."
--The Free Lance-Star

About the Author

A four-time Academy Award nominee, twice for writing and twice for acting, Ethan Hawke has starred in the films Dead Poets Society, Reality Bites, Gattaca, and Training Day as well as Richard Linklater's Before Sunrise trilogy and Boyhood. He is the author of the novels The Hottest State and Ash Wednesday. He lives in Brooklyn with his four children and this book's illustrator, Ryan Hawke.