The John Michell Reader: Writings and Rants of a Radical Traditionalist (Edition, New of Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist)
✍️ John Michell, Joscelyn GodwinCurrently unavailable
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Delve into the captivating mind of John Michell, a seminal figure of 1960s counterculture, through this curated collection of 108 insightful essays. Compiled by esoteric scholar Joscelyn Godwin, this volume offers a profound journey from Stone Age sacred practices to sharp critiques of contemporary society. Michell, renowned for his work on sacred geometry and Earth mysteries, blends radical idealism with classical traditionalism, inviting readers to reconsider the divine order of the world and the "paradise of the philosophers" from antiquity. His writings are at once erudite, witty, and provocatively scathing.
Praise for this book
“A self-styled Merlin of the 1960s counterculture who inspired disciples like the Rolling Stones with writings about UFOs, prehistoric architecture and fairies . . .”
📝 Description: The John Michell Reader: Writings and Rants of a Radical Traditionalist (Edition, New of Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist)
📑 What's inside
- Introduction "A Prophetic Vision" by Joscelyn Godwin
- Pa r t I
- The Good Old Days
- 1 Why Are We So Short of Time?
- 2 Fireside Wisdom
- 3 The Deserted Village
- 4 Fear and Loathing of the Greens
- 5 Staying Put and Rushing About
- 6 Victoria's Enchanted Realm
- 7 A Good Protestant? How and Why
- 8 Kings of Glory
- 9 Drink, Drugs, and the Art of Conversation
- 10 Manx Fairies
- 11 Nothing to Sing About
- 12 Population Control and Feng Shui, Again
- P a r t II
- Albion
- 13 Albion, the Spirit of the Party
- 14 A Lost Cause
- 15 The Re-Conversion of England
- 16 Anglo-Saxon Attitudes
- 17 Brassy Britain
- 18 The Centre of Britain
- 19 Citizens of Stonehenge
- 20 Sacred Monarchy
- 21 Taking the St. Michael
- 22 A Musical Enchantment
- 23 A Dream of Old Tracks
- 24 When Jesus Came to England
- Pa r t III Phenomena
- 25 Abductions
- 26 UFO Abductions and the End of Innocence
- 27 Bogus Social Workers
- 28 Just a Coincidence
- 29 Just Another Coincidence
- 30 The Persistence of Crop Circles
- 31 Dreams of Ape-Men
- 32 Roll Your Own Superstitions
- 33 Demonic Reality
- 34 The Demons among Us
- 35 Lost and Found
- 36 The Flight from Reason
- P a r t I V
- People
- 37 Beyond the New Age
- 38 A Man You Can Trust
- 39 The Philosopher's Ideal Woman
- 40 Our Silent Queen
- 41 Building the Future
- 42 Enoch Powell and the West Indians
- 43 Science for Us Simple Folk
- 44 Sheldrake and the Revolution
- 45 New Light on Old Stones
- 46 A Rad-Trad Englishman, and an Italian
- 47 Bruce Chatwin's Glimpse of Truth
- 48 How Can Jesus Be God?
- P a r t V
- Sacred Cows
- 49 Television, Degradation, and the Ideal
- 50 Cannabis and the Law
Showing the first 60 entries.
💎 Expert review
📖 Why choose it
Why this book is worth reading
Readers drawn to the profound synthesis of ancient wisdom and contemporary critique will find immense value in this curated collection. It is ideal for those fascinated by sacred geometry, Earth mysteries, and the enduring quest for a divine order amidst modern chaos. Michell’s erudite and witty style offers a refreshing, albeit provocative, perspective on societal follies. By blending classical traditionalism with radical idealism, the book invites deep reflection on the 'paradise of the philosophers' and the sacred practices of antiquity. It serves as an essential guide for seekers wishing to challenge conventional narratives and explore the underlying spiritual architecture of the world through the lens of a true countercultural sage.
⭐ Reader reviews
Reader rating
This collection offers a compelling, albeit dense, journey through John Michell’s radical traditionalist thought, compiled by Joscelyn Godwin. It is best suited for readers with a strong interest in esoteric history, sacred geometry, and philosophical dissent. However, it may not suit those seeking straightforward, accessible introductions to occultism or those who prefer modern, secular perspectives without historical or metaphysical weight. The text’s provocatively scathing tone and erudite references demand patience and prior familiarity with traditionalist concepts. While intellectually stimulating for the dedicated student of Earth mysteries, casual readers might find the density of ideas and specific cultural critiques challenging to navigate without significant background knowledge.
❓ Frequently asked questions
📖 Who should read this
If you're drawn to provocative thinkers who blend ancient esotericism with sharp social commentary, this collection is for you. Readers interested in Earth mysteries, sacred geometry, and a spirited challenge to conventional wisdom will find Michell's unique voice utterly compelling and endlessly stimulating, inviting a reconsideration of fundamental assumptions.
🎯 Key themes and symbolism
Ancient Wisdom's Revival
Michell passionately explores the enduring relevance of ancient traditions, from the sacred practices of our earliest ancestors to the philosophical ideals of a "paradise" lost. He champions a return to principles he believes align with a fundamental, divine order governing existence, seeking to re-enchant the modern world with forgotten truths.
Critique of Modernity
With keen wit and occasional ferocity, Michell skewers the perceived absurdities and dangers of contemporary life. He famously challenged everything from the metric system to the prevailing societal madness, often framing modern advancements and rationalism as a departure from essential, harmonious truths and a descent into chaos.
Radical Traditionalism
This collection showcases Michell's unique synthesis of countercultural spirit with a profound reverence for classical, often "heretical," traditions. He boldly bridges the gap between historical scholarship and a radical re-evaluation of established norms, advocating for an unconventional yet deeply rooted worldview that transcends simple left/right binaries.
📜 Historical context
📚 Glossary
- Radical Traditionalist
- Earth Mysteries
- Counterculture
📔 Questions to reflect on
- How do Michell's "radical traditionalist" views challenge your own understanding of progress and societal development in the modern world?
- Consider a modern societal "madness" that Michell might critique today. What ancient principle or wisdom could offer an alternative perspective to it?
- Reflect on the idea of a "divine order" in the world. Where do you observe its presence, and where does it seem most obscured by human constructs or modern thought?
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