For the millions of people for whom the prose poem "Desiderata" offers lifelong inspiration, Desiderata: The Book takes "Desiderata" to a new level of communication and understanding through chapter-length treatment of each of its 23 phrases. It also contains a concluding chapter on the overall idea of living life by the prescription "Desiderata" offers. Additionally, Desiderata: The Book includes a fascinating look at the controversial origins and legal history of "Desiderata", along with a short biography of its author, Max Ehrmann.

Each chapter (e.g., Go Placidly) begins with definitions, in context, of the principal terms used in that phrase and ends with quotations from famous people using those same terms. But the real essence of each chapter is the result of expanding beyond the phrase itself by delving deeply into what Max Ehrmann - by way of philosophy, world view, and otherwise - likely meant the phrase to mean. All such interpretation is subjective, of course, but after listening to Desiderata: The Book, "Desiderata" enthusiasts will have much, much more - and very interesting - food for thought along the path of contemplating the life prescription of "Desiderata".

Each chapter of Desiderata: The Book also includes a real-world example of how that particular phrase comes up in real life, and how the phrase and this interpretation of it might impact real-world behavior.