Traditionalism
The Radical Project for Restoring Sacred Order
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Penguin Books Ltd
Publishing:6th Mar '25
£10.99
This title is due to be published on 6th March, and will be despatched as soon as possible.
This paperback is available in another edition too:
- Hardback£25.00(9780241487921)
This insightful book, Traditionalism, examines a philosophy that has profoundly influenced history while remaining largely misunderstood.
The book Traditionalism serves as a comprehensive exploration of a philosophy that remains largely underappreciated despite its significant influence throughout history. Rooted in ancient teachings, Traditionalism argues for a sacred order that has been passed down through generations. This philosophy emphasizes the importance of preserving these teachings in the face of modernity, which is often seen as a source of chaos and disorder. Followers of Traditionalism advocate for respect toward the environment, the creation of profound artistic expressions, and the promotion of harmony among diverse religious groups.
However, the narrative surrounding Traditionalism is complex, as it has also been associated with more controversial and darker movements, including fascism and terrorism. The book delves into the paradox of a philosophy that has shaped various aspects of society while remaining largely unrecognized. It examines the historical context and the motivations of its proponents, who have typically sought to influence the world subtly rather than through mass appeal.
In this groundbreaking work, the thoughts and contributions of Traditionalism's key figures—René Guénon, Julius Evola, and Frithjof Schuon—are meticulously analyzed. By shedding light on this often-overlooked philosophy, Traditionalism invites readers to reconsider its pervasive impact on contemporary culture and thought. Understanding this philosophy can provide valuable insights into the currents that shape our past, present, and future.
Sedgwick brings an admirable clarity to the task of introducing Traditionalism, joining the dots between disparate thinkers and doing us a useful service, in helping us to spot it when we see it -- Christopher Harding * Telegraph *
Astute ... this very fine book is a forensic look at the movement and its influence, and has several points where you both realise something and ponder "why did I never realise that?" -- Stuart Kelly * Scotsman *
Mark Sedgwick is one of our most trustworthy and erudite scholars of religion. Here, with a sure hand, he guides readers through a terribly important conversation among a group of intellectuals, commonly called Traditionalists, who see flaws in modernity, secularism, and democracy. The end result is a much better understanding of Traditionalism and how its contemporary right-wing proponents have distorted it. This will become a kind of go-to book for how to think, subtly and robustly, about Traditionalism in our contemporary world -- Jeffrey J. Kripal, author of THE SUPERHUMANITIES
Traditionalism, propounded by René Guénon and pursued by others through the twentieth century, has roared back into prominence in recent years, having once been declared almost entirely defunct. Mark Sedgwick's literate and sensible thematic overview of this movement's principal doctrines is indispensable for anyone seeking to make sense of the changing ideological landscape of the present -- Samuel Moyn, Chancellor Kent Professor of Law and History, Yale University
An informed, broad, user-friendly book on Traditionalism needed to be written - the ideas at the core of this philosophy, though once confined to the underground of Western thought, have become increasingly influential. Nobody is more qualified than Professor Mark Sedgwick to write such a book. The foremost international expert on Traditionalism and its history, Sedgwick draws here on his extensive academic knowledge and talent as a writer to produce an accessible guide, illuminating hidden ideas and providing a readers a path to understand some of the most radical social, religious, and political thinking in the world -- Benjamin R. Teitelbaum, Associate Professor, University of Colorado Boulder, and author of WAR FOR ETERNITY: THE RISE OF THE POPULIST RIGHT AND THE RETURN OF TRADITIONALISM
ISBN: 9780241487938
Dimensions: 181mm x 111mm x 35mm
Weight: 350g
432 pages