Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man.

KEEN, Sam.

$475.00

Item Number: 148302

New York: Bantam Books, 1991.

First edition of this seminal work that challenges traditional conceptions of masculinity. Octavo, original half-cloth. Presentation copy, inscribed by the author on the half-title page, “For Ron Loan Sam Keen.” Near fine in a near fine dust jacket. Jacket illustration by Kuso Sano.

Fire in the Belly: On Being a Man by Sam Keen is a critical exploration of masculinity that challenges dominant cultural norms and proposes a more reflective, emotionally grounded vision of male identity. Drawing on psychology, philosophy, and personal narrative, Keen critiques traditional models of manhood rooted in aggression, detachment, and competition, advocating instead for a redefinition of masculinity centered on vulnerability, compassion, and spiritual growth. His work engages with broader social and ethical questions, urging men to confront internalized patriarchal values and to cultivate deeper relationships with themselves, others, and the natural world.