Alamut Bartol, Vladimir by Bartol, Vladimir; , Biggins, Michael

Occult Philosophy

Alamut Bartol, Vladimir

Name: Alamut Bartol, Vladimir
Price: 22.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.6 (2 reviews)
Author: Bartol, Vladimir; , Biggins, Michael
ISBN: 9781556436819

Bartol, Vladimir; , Biggins, Michael

Reader rating

4.6

(1 reviews) 17 sold

$22.00

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Ascend to a fabricated paradise, where devotion becomes a weapon and truth is merely a tool.

Journey into 11th-century Persia, within the enigmatic fortress of Alamut, where the self-proclaimed prophet Hasan ibn Sabbah orchestrates a breathtaking scheme. He crafts an illusory paradise—replete with sensory delights—to indoctrinate young devotees, transforming them into his 'living daggers.' Sabbah’s philosophy, 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted,' becomes the foundation for his manipulation of religious fervor for strategic power. The narrative delves into his Machiavellian tactics and the experiences of individuals like the slave girl Halima, caught within his grand design, exploring the perilous intersection of faith, power, and human gullibility.

Key themes

Illusions of Paradise Manipulation of Faith Reality and Perception

Historical context

This work explores the historical intersection of esoteric orders and political maneuvering in medieval Persia, examining how spiritual narratives can be engineered for worldly control. It sits within the tradition of occult history that investigates the hidden mechanisms behind religious movements and secret societies.

Difficulty

●●● Demanding

Fans will love it

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🕯️ Occult Philosophy

🏛 North Atlantic Books 📅 2007 📖 400 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9781556436819

Fun fact

'Alamut' is a profound, unsettling journey into the heart of manipulation and manufactured belief. Bartol masterfully crafts a narrative challenging the nature of truth and devotion, compelling for those who relish philosophical depth in historical fiction. While not for readers seeking light adventure or strict historical documentation, its chilling insights into power dynamics and human gullibility resonate powerfully, securing its place as a seminal work in esoteric literature.

📝 Description: Alamut Bartol, Vladimir

Alamut takes place in 11th Century Persia, in the fortress of Alamut, where self-proclaimed prophet Hasan ibn Sabbah is setting up his mad but brilliant plan to rule the region with a handful of elite fighters who are to become his "living daggers." By creating a virtual paradise at Alamut, filled with beautiful women, lush gardens, wine and hashish, Sabbah is able to convince his young fighters that they can reach paradise if they follow his commands. With parallels to Osama bin Laden, Alamut tells the story of how Sabbah was able to instill fear into the ruling class by creating a small army of devotees who were willing to kill, and be killed, in order to achieve paradise. Believing in the supreme Ismaili motto "Nothing is true, everything is permitted," Sabbah wanted to "experiment" with how far he could manipulate religious devotion for his own political gain through appealing to what he called the stupidity and gullibility of people and their passion for pleasure and selfish desires. The novel focuses on Sabbah as he unveils his plan to his inner circle, and on two of his young followers -- the beautiful slave girl Halima, who has come to Alamut to join Sabbah's paradise on earth, and young ibn Tahir, Sabbah's most gifted fighter. As both Halima and ibn Tahir become disillusioned with Sabbah's vision, their lives take unexpected turns. Alamut was originally written in 1938 as an allegory to Mussolini's fascist state. In the 1960's it became a cult favorite throughout Tito's Yugoslavia, and in the 1990s, during the Balkan's War, it was read as an allegory of the region's strife and became a bestseller in Germany, France and Spain. Following the attacks of September 11, 2001, the book once again took on a new life, selling more than 20,000 copies in a new Slovenian edition, and being translated around the world in more than 19 languages. This edition, translated by Michael Biggins, in the first-ever English translation.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

This text provides a stark examination of ideological engineering rather than a traditional spiritual guide. It suits readers interested in political philosophy, historical intrigue, and the sociology of belief systems. However, it does not suit those seeking uplifting spiritual advice or linear biographical storytelling, as the focus remains on manipulation and strategic power rather than personal growth. Readers expecting romanticized heroism may find the cold analysis of human gullibility and Machiavellian tactics unsettling or dry. It is best approached as a case study in control rather than an inspirational memoir.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers fascinated by the psychological mechanics of power and the manipulation of belief will find this book deeply compelling. It offers a unique lens into how reality can be constructed through sensory illusion and ideological conditioning, appealing to those interested in the history of secret societies or the philosophical implications of radical skepticism. Those who enjoy intricate historical narratives that blur the lines between fact and fabrication will appreciate the exploration of Hassan ibn Sabbah’s strategies. It is ideal for individuals questioning the nature of truth, faith, and the human capacity for devotion when faced with engineered environments, providing a stark look at how devotion can be weaponized.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.7/5

★★★★★

If you're captivated by historical narratives exploring the psychology of power, the seductive allure of manufactured belief, and chilling manipulation, this work is essential. It's for those who question the nature of truth and the boundaries of human devotion.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

This text provides a stark examination of ideological engineering rather than a traditional spiritual guide. It suits readers interested in political philosophy, historical intrigue, and the sociology of belief systems. However, it does not suit those seeking uplifting spiritual advice or linear biographical storytelling, as the focus remains on manipulation and strategic power rather than personal growth. Readers expecting romanticized heroism may find the cold analysis of human gullibility and Machiavellian tactics unsettling or dry. It is best approached as a case study in control rather than an inspirational memoir.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While deeply rooted in 11th-century Persian history and the figure of Hasan ibn Sabbah, 'Alamut' is a work of historical fiction. It vividly re-imagines events and motivations, offering a speculative, yet powerful, interpretation of this enigmatic period.

This Ismaili motto, as interpreted by Sabbah in the novel, serves as his philosophical justification for ultimate manipulation. It suggests that without absolute truth, all actions, even deceit and violence, become permissible means to an end, particularly for political gain.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Illusions of Paradise

Sabbah masterfully constructs a sensory haven within Alamut, offering his followers a taste of heaven on earth. This artificial Eden, lavish with earthly pleasures, serves as a potent psychological tool, convincing recruits that ultimate bliss awaits them only through unwavering obedience and sacrifice. It's a profound exploration of manufactured desire.

Manipulation of Faith

At its core, the novel dissects how deeply held religious convictions can be expertly twisted for worldly ambition. Sabbah's chilling pragmatism, encapsulated in his mantra 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted,' reveals a calculated approach to exploiting human spiritual longing and desire for belonging, forging an army of zealous instruments.

Reality and Perception

The narrative provocatively questions the very foundation of objective truth, demonstrating how perception can be meticulously engineered. Sabbah's declaration that 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted' isn't just a slogan but a blueprint for a world where reality is fluid, serving the will of the powerful, blurring lines between faith and deception.

💬 Quotes from the book

“Believe in the paradise I have shown you, for only through absolute faith shall you truly enter it.”

“Truth, my young dagger, is but a tool. What matters is not what *is*, but what people can be made to *believe*.”

📜 Historical context

Set in 11th-century Persia, Bartol's novel is inspired by the historical Hasan ibn Sabbah, founder of the Nizari Ismaili state at Alamut. This mysterious sect, often linked to the legendary 'Assassins,' pioneered psychological warfare and selective targeting. Their methods left an indelible mark on medieval history, inspiring tales of cunning and devotion.

📚 Glossary

Alamut
Hasan ibn Sabbah
Ismaili

📔 Questions to reflect on

How do the concepts of 'virtual paradise' and 'living daggers' explore the extremes of human devotion and the cost of blind obedience?
Considering Sabbah's philosophy, 'Nothing is true, everything is permitted,' how might this worldview impact personal morality and societal structure?
Reflect on instances in contemporary society where leaders might manipulate desires or beliefs for their own strategic objectives. What parallels do you see with Alamut?