Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist

Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist is a wide-ranging collection of colourful essays by English author and philosopher John Michell. For those readers only familiar with his better-known writings on Earth Mysteries, unusual phenomena and eccentric figures, much of the material here will be a pleasant surprise. Since its inception, Michell has regularly contributed to the monthly magazine The Oldie, one of BritainÕs best-kept publishing secrets. MichellÕs column, ÒAn Orthodox Voice,Ó is a perpetual font of erudite insights, charming commentaries, wittily scathing pronouncements, and divine revelations. Writing in clear, exquisite language, he deftly applies traditional wisdom to various aspects of the modern conundrum. In author Patrick HarpurÕs words, ÒIf Socrates had ever written a column, this would be it.Ó Divided into nine sections, Confessions of a Radical Traditionalist presents MichellÕs thoughts on a wealth of heretical topics, from ancient echoes of a Golden Age to the madness of modernity and the unfolding apocalypse. Undergirding these ruminations is the rarely heard perspective of an enlightened, idealistic Platonist. Even when slaying sacred cows or lancing contemporary buffoons, he never forgets that the elusive Òparadise of the philosophersÓ is within reach for those with the strength of vision to see it. In our inverted modern world, these disarming orthodox writings have the delicious flavor of forbidden fruit. The 108 essays in this volume have been carefully selected and introduced by Joscelyn Godwin, a long-time admirer of John MichellÕs work and himself an acknowledged authority in matters esoteric and metaphysical.