
“In the Arena and Aroma of Words: Reflections Spoken to Print” by Martin Hackleman eloquently expresses his love for words, describing them as tangible entities that evoke a spectrum of emotions, from joy to fear. Proudly published by Citi of Books, this is now available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and other major retail platforms.
Martin Hackleman, a world-renowned French horn player, began his distinguished career at the remarkable age of 19 as Principal Horn of the Calgary Philharmonic. He went on to hold the same prestigious position with the Vancouver Symphony, Montreal Symphony, and the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., solidifying his status as one of the finest horn players of his generation.
Internationally acclaimed, Hackleman toured the world as a member of both the Canadian Brass and the Empire Brass Quintet. His extensive discography includes over 50 professional albums, featuring orchestral works, chamber music, and numerous solo recordings.
Now retired from his role as Professor of Horn at the University of Missouri-Kansas City’s Conservatory of Music, Hackleman lives in Kansas City with his wife, Kelly, and their two Mini Golden Doodles, Kenna and Duncan.

“In the Arena and Aroma of Words” invites readers on a reflective journey through the power of language and its profound impact on human experience. Through his writing, Hackleman illustrates how words can conjure vivid sensations, transforming mere air vibrations into powerful catalysts for empathy and understanding. The book serves as a testament to the intricate relationship between language and the myriad experiences that shape our lives.
The narrative is divided into two distinct sections, with the first part, “Poems from a Young Heart,” capturing the essence of Hackleman’s youth from ages 17 to 24. During this formative period, he began to write poetry as a means of navigating the tumultuous emotions and questions that arise in adolescence.
The “Arena” represents the emotional landscape of his early life, where he grapples with the complexities of growing up. His poetry reflects the raw and often chaotic nature of youth, offering readers a glimpse into the struggles and triumphs that accompany this pivotal stage of life.
In the second part of the book, Hackleman reflects on his life five decades later, sharing insights gained from both intentional pursuits and unexpected detours. His writing evolves into a more contemplative style, yet it remains evocative and deeply personal. As he revisits the questions and passions of his youth, he acknowledges the growth that has come from both joy and hardship. Ultimately, “In the Arena and Aroma of Words: Reflections Spoken to Print” by Martin Hackleman is a heartfelt exploration of human experience, encouraging readers to embrace their own journeys and the words that define them.

“In the Arena and Aroma of Words: Reflections Spoken to Print” by Martin Hackleman is now available for purchase through the links provided below:
- Citi of Books: https://citiofbooks.com/bookstore/new-release/in-the-arena-and-aroma-of-words-reflections-spoken-to-print/
- AbeBooks: https://www.abebooks.com/Arena-Aroma-Words-Reflections-Spoken-Print/32171380418/bd
- Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Arena-Aroma-Words-Reflections-Spoken/dp/1965604986/ref=tmm_pap_swatch_0?_encoding=UTF8&dib_tag=se&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.Tz4RZoTEdvvLZ7EkPM8dEg.Pl1lmPqZveLuNCkBd6eyIONEC74rdgfP-k30FhhZtts&qid=1748562615&sr=1-1
- Barnes & Noble: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/in-the-arena-and-aroma-of-words-martin-hackleman/1147230131?ean=9798893916256
- Walmart: https://www.walmart.com/ip/In-the-Arena-and-Aroma-of-Words-Reflections-Spoken-to-Print-Paperback-9798893916256/15944618023?classType=REGULAR&from=/search
2 Comments
I appreciate when a title evokes both sensory and intellectual depth like this one does. It makes me wonder whether the book leans more toward essays, poetry, or a narrative form of reflection. Either way, it sounds like a rich exploration of language and thought.
The balance between the ‘arena’ of public speaking and the ‘aroma’ of printed words seems like an intriguing theme. I’d love to hear more about how Hackleman ties these two elements together.