Here, in an accessible easy-to-read format is a well researched guide to the international New Age movement that explores both its positive and negative aspects. Does it represent a move away from formal, institutionalised religion towards a more ge
Here, in an accessible easy-to-read format is a well researched guide to the international New Age movement that explores both its positive and negative aspects. Does it represent a move away from formal, institutionalised religion towards a more ge
Comparative religion, Spirituality
Wisdom Seekers: The Rise of the New Spirituality explores the origins and precursors of the New Age movement, its consolidation within the American counterculture of the late 1960s, and its development into an international spiritual perspective in contemporary Western society. The book considers the influence on the New Age of metaphysicians like Emanuel Swedenborg, Mesmer, Madame Blavatsky and Gurdjieff; pioneering thinkers like Freud, Jung and William James; and the contribution to New Age thought of Indian spiritual traditions and transpersonal psychology. Wisdom Seekers also describes the way in which the New Age paradigm has absorbed the most recent discoveries of quantum physics and consciousness research, and it explores the New Age focus on personal spiritual experience rather than formal religious doctrines.
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The central ideal within New Age teachings is not just revolutionary in the best sense, but arguably necessary for a world long plagued and divided by rigid religious dogma and blind prejudice. The New Age, in the best sense of what it represents, has long been in need of a chronicler and interpreter who can explain its essence without resorting to a tone of superior academic scorn or shallow, gullible cheerleading. In Nevill Drury, an accomplished author of dozens of works on the great wisdom traditions, the New Age has found its scribe and interpreter. In this comprehensive book he lucidly explains the nuts and bolts of the movement, warts and all — delving into its host of colourful characters, all the way from Blavatsky and Gurdjieff to Sun Bear, Elisabeth Kubler-Ross and Robert Monroe — without losing sight of the genuine spark of heart and wisdom behind it. This is a thoroughly researched, eminently readable and highly recommended book.
~ P.T. Mistlberger, author of The Three Dangerous Magi: Osho, Gurdjieff, Crowley (O Books, 2010)Nevill Drury has written a wonderfully accessible and carefully researched review of the major historical and intellectual sources of the New Age. It is rich with detail, entertaining anecdotes, and thoughtful analysis. ~ Dr Douglas Ezzy, Associate Professor of Sociology, University of Tasmania
Nevill Drury’s in-depth overview of the New Age movement in is about as good as it gets. Readers will emerge from this text not merely informed as to the movement’s extraordinarily varied developmental history, they will also emerge with a deepened appreciation of New Age ideas, aims and values in relation to the sacred, mythic dimension of life. Drury’s approach replaces facile scrutiny with astute penetration of what it means to be awake and aware. This is, in other words, a book to be read more than once. ~ Douglas Lockhart, author of and
does not disappoint, with a plethora of incisive comments and fresh analysis of the origin, present status, and possible future of the ‘New Age’ or ‘New Spirituality’. Nevill Drury has again brought a world of unique insights to us and this makes a must-have addition to the library.
~ Dr Jonn Mumford (Swami Anandakapila Saraswati), author of the groundbreaking work Ecstasy Through Tantra (1988)Thoroughly researched, provides an in-depth understanding of the evolution of the New Age movement in a nutshell.
~ Bronwen and Frans Stiene, Authors and founders, the International House of Reiki
