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 Still holds its own today, but no longer a standout... Oct 04, 2009
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
The author describes this book, even this new edition, as a compilation of materials gathered together for himself and his students over the course of many years. The material was put together in the 1970s and 1980s, and originally released in and around that time. After reading it, I'm guessing that at the time of its original release, this book must have been somewhat revelationary to the English-speaking Tai Chi practitioner. It includes an impressively clear, practical interpretation of the "Tai Chi Classics"-- among thesetreatises the author's interpretation of those seminal works as outlined in Amazon's "Product Description" above. Today, however, there are several other interpretations available, and each provides a slightly different perspective, and therefore insights. Still, given that this interpretation in approaching 30+ years old, I am certainly impressed by its simple, down-to-earth clarity on how to utilize these admonitions for Tai Chi practice. To me, this is the meat of the book.
The author clearly intends this book for the beginner and intermediate practitioner, in that he opens with a long chapter on the "Five Animal Frolics"-- a simplified set of forms that enable the beginner to nail down basic concepts and biomechanics before embarking on the more complex Tai Chi set. I must say, I had never heard of the Frolics before, but a quick visit to the Internet and YouTube clarified things. Personally, I don't think that the Frolics are an absolute necessity, and certainly not without an instructor pointing out the key concepts. Instead, I'd rely more heavily on finding a good teacher, then focusing on single movement exercises to accomplish the same thing. Although not particularly taught this way in the West due to economic and cultural constraints, my instructor has told us stories about how his instructor would teach the form, one movement at a time, and wouldn't teach the next movement until he was satisfied that the pupil had achieved a high-level of competence in the movement before. In retrospect, this may very well have defeated my patience as a student, but also, again in hindsight, I can appreciate the value that such a method would bring.
The book also has an interesting chapter on Chinese instruction/school etiquette. My instructor, for example, is likely a hybrid with respect to this, so it will be interesting to view his actions/interpretations with these insights in mind.
Also a section on how to find a school, what to look for in a teacher, that was fairly rudimentary, but probably beneficial to the beginner. I'm heading into my tenth year of Tai Chi study at this time (12th in internal martial arts, and 28th in martial arts in general), and finding a great instructor is key. Unfortunately, it's definitely a Catch-22 for the uninitiated. Until you know something, it's hard to judge the wheat from the chaff.
The book also includes three anecdotal stories that the author is clearly fond of. While not boring, and perhaps even philosophically interesting, these were clearly more about philosophical interpretation than in anything directly related to the practice of Tai Chi. Oh, I know this statement might make some readers angry, but it's the truth. It's one thing to read the Tao Te Ching-- it's another thing altogether to have it help your Tai Chi practice. That's the same kind of thing here. The stories may have helped the author in his Tai Chi practice (and even he did not say this)-- it has not directly helped me so far.
In summary, while definitely ahead of its time, this book, 30 years later, despite the updated edition, is simply good today. It is no longer great, simply because it does not add anything new or groundbreaking, but is just another perspective among many now out there. As another reviewer has noted, this is not an instruction book-- no pictures, no movement descriptions or pointers on specific movements or forms. Just the major concepts from a number of noted "ancient" Tai Chi Masters and some other practical insights and a few philosophical stories.
1 of 6 found the following review helpful:
 Drawing Silk: Masters' Secrets for Successful Tai Chi Practice Jun 09, 2009
That the book is well written is not to be disputed. However in this day and age the old adage: A picture is worth a 1000 words ...holds especially true in this discipline. The book is not written for the novice practitioner of Tai Chi, but rather for advanced students.
So my question is, what was the target audience for this book?
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
 A Rich Tapestry Dec 30, 2008
As a student of tai Chi for 15 years, my introduction to "Drawing Silk" has been a pleasure far beyond my anticipation. Master Gallagher weaves a rich tapestry from threads drawn from the Taiji classics, Taoist tales, philosophy, and culture. It is further spiced with ancient poems, translated by the author from the original Chinese.
Master Gallagher creates an atmoshere, simultaneously, of authority, authenticity, generosity, caring, guidance, inspiration and reflection which significantly impacted me.
This volume helped me identify gaps in my personal Tai Chi curriculum and provided direction for addressing those gaps. I can offer no greater recommendation. Enjoy...and benefit.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
A Modern Tai Chi Classic Nov 30, 2008
Everything the other reviewers have said about Drawing Silk is true. I have many books about Tai Chi, but this is the one I keep referring back to, sometimes to find advice on a problem and sometimes to clarify a point which has become fuzzy. Like the Tao, it continues to provide and is never emptied.
2 of 2 found the following review helpful:
Excellent Oct 08, 2008
Thank heavens this was reissued. Every T'ai Chi player needs this collection of essays.
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