Eastern Wisdom, Modern Life: Collected Talks: 1960-1969 (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9781577311805)

Alan Watts introduced millions of Western readers to Zen and other Eastern philosophies, but he's also recognized as a brilliant commentator on Judeo-Christian traditions as well as a celebrity philosopher who exemplified the ideas -- and lifestyle -- of the 1960s counterculture. In this compilation of controversial lectures, delivered at American universities throughout the decade, Watts challenges readers to reevaluate Western culture's most hallowed constructs. Watts treads familiar ground, interpreting Eastern traditions, and also covers new territory, exploring the counterculture's basis in the ancient tribal and shamanic cultures of Asia, Siberia, and the Americas. In the process, he addresses some of the era's most important questions: What is the nature of reality? And how does an individual's relationship to society affect this reality? Filled with his playful, provocative style, the talks show the remarkable scope of a philosopher in his prime, exploring and defining the '60s counterculture as only Alan Watts could.

Author: Alan Watts
ISBN-10: 1577311809
ISBN-13: 9781577311805
Publisher: New World Library
Language: English
Published: 08/18/2006
Pages: 272
Format: Paperback
Weight: 0.57lbs
Size: 9.36h x 5.88w x 0.69d

Review Citation(s):
Booklist 10/01/2006 pg. 31
Reference and Research Bk News 02/01/2007 pg. 15