Meetings with Remarkable Men (All and Everything) [Paperback]

G. I. Gurdjieff (Author)

Book Description

Series: All and Everything | Publication Date: September 27, 1991

The Armenian-Greek spiritual teacher, G.I. Gurdjieff's autobiographical account of his youth and early travels has become something of a legend since it was first published in 1963. A compulsive read in the tradition of adventure narratives, but suffused with Gurdjieff's unique perspective on life, it is organized around portraits of remarkable men and women who aided Gurdjieff's search for hidden knowledge or accompanied him on his journeys in remote parts of the Near East and Central Asia. A classic work, suffused with a haunting sense of what it means to live fully - with conscience, with purpose and with heart.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

Right around the turn of the 20th century, G.I. Gurdjieff initiated a group of spiritual adventurers called the "Seekers of Truth." These intrepid intellectuals of every stripe crisscrossed Africa and Asia in search of the hidden mysteries of antiquity. In Meetings with Remarkable Men, Gurdjieff narrates their exploits while drawing portraits of these extraordinary figures (including one woman and a dog). Half travel journal, half autobiography, Meetings with Remarkable Men begins with Gurdieff's childhood, when he finds his book learning at odds with paranormal events that were self-evident but inexplicable through modern science. Later he discovers a map of "pre-sands Egypt" and evidence of the Sarmound Brotherhood, alleged keepers of ancient wisdom dating back four and a half millennia. He climbs the Himalayas, follows the Nile, and is led blindfolded to a mysterious monastery. In his encounters with dervishes, monks, and fakirs, Gurdjieff recovers the wisdom he seeks; by comparison, European understanding, he says, is backwards and barbaric. A controversial figure in his time, Gurdjieff inspired deep love and loyalty in his pupils and ridicule from skeptics. At the bookends of Meetings with Remarkable Men, Gurdjieff suggests the value of blurring the line between allegory and straight reporting. But then what exactly is Meetings with Remarkable Men? You be the judge. --Brian Bruya

About the Author

Gurdjieff was born in Alexanderpol in 1877 and trained both as a priest and physician. For some twenty years he travelled in the remotest regions of Central Asia and the Middle East, moulding his thought. On his return he began to gather pupils in Moscow, and from this base his ideas began to spread worldwide.

Product Details

• Paperback: 320 pages
• Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics) (September 27, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0140190376
• ISBN-13: 978-0140190373
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (34 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #581,573 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

40 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must read for any serious student, July 29, 2001

By 

Jeff Sutherland "Certified Scrum Trainer" (Somerville, MA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meetings with Remarkable Men (All and Everything) (Paperback)

This is the most accessible of Gurdjieff's works and should be read by any student of the "essence of reality" or "timeless wisdom," concepts that can't be articulated without sounding like cliches. For this reason I give it five stars.

As mentioned by other reviewers, Gurdjieff is a master of "coyote wisdom." In the American Indian tradition, the coyote, as totem guide of a Shaman, is a trickster and there was none better than Gurdjieff. My most vivid recollection is a story about his teaching center in France where he was adulated by an obsequious woman. He picked up an iron bowl from the fire and told the woman, "Here, hold this." Her shock and pain may or may not have awakened her consciousness, but the technique is vintage Gurdjieff. I have met a number of serious students of Gurdjieff in my 60 short years and they stand out as having significantly more depth than most students of non-traditional paths. Recommended.

28 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An interesting way of thinking, January 31, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (Nehalem, Oregon) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Meetings with Remarkable Men (All and Everything) (Paperback)

Overall, this book is fascinating reading for anyone. In particular, the chapter (60 plus pages) on "The Material Question" struck a note in me in the early 1960's and has resonated throughout my life and mind ever since. Taking it exactly as he presented it, I applied myself to this way of thinking, fully focusing on everything surrounding me. I opened my first small business and went at it with a perseverance and determination learned from Gurdjieff. I never looked back, and consider that one short novel of a chapter to have been the greatest influence on my material success.

olafaye

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful story, October 27, 2007

By 

Beau Christensen (Alberta CA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Meetings with Remarkable Men (All and Everything) (Paperback)

Meetings is an eloquently written story about the travels and experiences of Gurdjieff. Their are some great stories woven within that are like teachings to those who can read between the lines. It is a swift, fun read that I would recommend even to people who are unaware of the work of Gurdjieff.