Here is the authorized biography of the one & only Maynard James Keenan The book traces Keenan s journey from his Midwest childhood to his years in the Army to his time in art school from his stint at a Boston pet shop to his place in the international spotlight & his influence on contemporary music & regional winemaking A comprehensive portrayal of a versatile & dedicated artist A Perfect Union of Contrary Things pays homage to the people & places that shaped the man & his art Until now Maynard s fans have had access to only an abridged version of his story A Perfect Union of Contrary Things presents the outtakes the scenes of disappointment & triumph & the events that led him to take one step after the next to change direction to explore sometimes surprising opportunities Included are sidebars in his own words often humorous anecdotes that illuminate the narrative as well as commentary by his family members friends instructors & industry colleagues The book also features a foreword by Alex Grey an American visionary artist & longtime friend of Keenan who has designed Tool s album & stage art Accompanying the text are photos of Keenan from childhood to the present as well as reproductions of his early drawings & writings Maynard s story is a metaphor for the reader s own evolution & an encouragement to follow one s dreams hold fast to individual integrity & work ceaselessly to fulfil our creative potential