Gurdjieff: An Approach to His Ideas

Arkana/Penguin, Harmondsworth, Middlesex, 1989. First Paperback Edition. Paperback. Very Good Condition. Titles, contents & foreword to front. An unbiased and critical examination of Gurdjieff's teachings and ideas. The works of Gurdjieff are notorious for being difficult. He perceived people as semi-conscious automata, incapable of love, belief or hope, and claimed that the only way to self-improvement was through self-knowledge. In his writings he used both humour and vulgarity to stimulate mans awareness of his own unworthiness and these 'weapons' often detract from Gurdjieffs reputation as a serious philosopher. In this important book, the first to analyse Gurdjieffs teachings from an objective point of view, Michel Waldberg examines the message of Gurdjieffs work and the means that he used to transmit it. Placing him in the context of contemporary literature from France and Russia, and bringing in elements from Eastern traditions, Waldberg gives his own outline of Gurdjieffs philosophy. Through his thoughtful analysis, he makes Gurdjieff accessible and comprehensible to all. He clears up misconceptions about the Russian mystic's teachings and discusses his use of myths to illustrate philosophical observations about people. Size: 8vo - over 7¾" - 9¾" tall. xiii + 158. crease to spine & light wear to spine edges;. No Dust Jacket as published. White titles spine. illustrated by a few b/w. diagrams. Includes biographical note, page notes & select bibliography. Quantity Available: 1. Shipped Weight: Under 250 grams. Category: Philosophy; Self Help & Motivation; Esoteric; Literature & Literary; Magic, Paranormal & Occult. ISBN: 0140190988. ISBN/EAN: 9780140190984. Inventory No: 4908. . 9780140190984