39 pages • 1 hour read
Steven PressfieldThe War of Art: Winning the Inner Creative Battle
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 2002A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
The basic plot of The War of Art by Steven Pressfield depicts the author's journey to help readers overcome "Resistance," an internal force that manifests as self-doubt, procrastination, and fear, preventing them from achieving their creative potential. Pressfield delineates this struggle in three parts, urging readers to develop discipline, embrace their creative gifts, and see their work as a contribution to the world. The author discusses substance use disorders, alcoholism, and mental health conditions.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art inspires creatives with its motivational insights on overcoming resistance and achieving artistic goals. Praised for its direct, no-nonsense approach, the book resonates with many for its practical advice. However, some find its tone overly harsh and its concepts repetitive. A worthwhile read for those needing a push in their creative endeavors.
Who Should Read The War of Art?
Readers who enjoy The War of Art by Steven Pressfield are often creatives facing resistance in their work, including writers, artists, and entrepreneurs. They appreciate a motivational, no-nonsense approach similar to that in Elizabeth Gilbert’s Big Magic or Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way.