Gurdjieff: Making a New World

by J.G. Bennett

Book Overview

The most complete, comprehensive account of the life and work of George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, one of the greatest men of the 20th century, and the only one which attempts to describe his mission. Since... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0060607785
• ISBN13: 9780060607784
• Release Date: January 1973
• Publisher: Harper & Row
• Length: 320 Pages
• Weight: 1.30 lbs.

Customer Reviews

New to Gurdjieff - Start Here!

J. G. Bennett did a wonderful job of introductory biography and summarizing the main concepts attributed to Gurdjieff in this book. I found especially fascinating Bennett's discussion of Gurdjieff's relationship with the Sarmoun or Sarman Brotherhood. What is also quite interesting to me about Gurdjieff is that he seemed to attract a very high caliber of thinker. I know that many people believe Gurdjieff has a cult following. But this cult includes Ouspensky, Bennett, Nicoll, Orage, etc. All of these people are very competent independent thinkers. Bennett is certainly no slouch as a philosopher, since he wrote about many things besides Gurdjieff's system. Overall, I was quite impressed with this book and look forward to reading other books by John G. Bennett.

One of the best introductions to Gurdjieff and his philosophy

J.G. Bennett was an associate of Gurdjieff and writes of him with authority. Bennett held many careers in his life a soldier, linguist, mystic and engineer.He was very much the stereotype of Englishman of his times. He presents himself as both level headed and a skeptic. How much of a skeptic he was I leave the reader to decide but in this volume Bennett tells the story of Gurdjieff's search for the truth and of his teachings. Those with even a passing interest in Gurdjieff will find this book fascinating. The first half some might find a little difficult to slog through as Bennett mentions varous arcane philosophies and places in Central Asia with which most of us in the West are unfamiliar but it is well worth the time invested. The second half of the book goes into Gurjieff's teaching methods and his philosophy. As Gurdjieff encouraged skepticism: if you must, read it as a skeptic, but I believe the average reader will find Gurdjieff's travels and his philosophy fascinating. I have known some to find his insights very useful in everyday life. Both a good inroduction and overview to one of the most fascinating figures of the 20th century. Highly recommended Jim Connell "Hallstatt Prince"

A Masterpiece

J.G. Bennett's at his best. Together with "Masters of Wisdom" heprooves that he understood Gurdjieff's mission and brought it many steps further and closer.

a must for those interested in Gurdjieff

This book offers well-researched background information on Gurdjieff and his ideas. A previous review indicated that this book either proves or strongly suggests that Gurdjieff's adventures as a "seeker" in the "Meetings" book were mere fantasy or fable. This excellent book by Bennett does not suggest this at all. But it does point out inconsistencies in terms of the specifics and does not hide the fact that exaggeration may have been employed in the retelling of Gurdjieff's travels. Overall: this is a well-written and thought provoking presentation of G.'s ideas, as well as the man himself.

Bennett's best

This book covers some theories about how Gurdjieff recieved his knowledge. Specifically from Naq'shabandi sufi orders, and Tibet. My personal favourite from Bennett...as Bennett was chosen by Gurdjieff, as one of the few people who could realistically carry on the "work", and "initiate" others.