A deconstructed guru
Approaching Religion January 16, 2019 DOI: 10.30664/ar.69091 via DOAJ
Summary
AI-generated from the abstractThis review examines Tobias Churton's biography of G.I. Gurdjieff, which argues that Gurdjieff was a spiritual magician whose teachings and persona were rooted in Western esotericism. Churton's work deconstructs previous portrayals of Gurdjieff, presenting him as a complex figure who synthesized various esoteric traditions. The review assesses Churton's evidence and interpretations, noting the book's contribution to understanding Gurdjieff within the context of Western esoteric currents.
Study at a glance
| Characteristics | Book review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Keywords | Gurdjieff Western esotericism Guru Tobias churton Deconstructionism |
| Key finding | Churton's biography positions Gurdjieff as a spiritual magician deeply embedded in Western esoteric traditions, challenging earlier depictions. |
Abstract
Review of Tobias Churton's Deconstructioning Gurdjieff: Biography of a Spiritual Magician (Rochester, Inner Traditions, 2017).