"In this compelling collection of thirteen essays, Belfast born Chris Arthur presents a richly complex and subtle exploration of the precariousness and mystery of existence. Taking as his starting point family photographs, boyhood memories and fragments of family history, Arthur draws on religion, philosophy and history in his attempts to fathom 'the stupendous fabric of the real.' The result is a tour de force, and extended meditation on family, nature, death and time that leaves us with a deeper insight into ourselves and into the 'true nature' of the things around us." -- from inside cover.