[.uk] Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson (All and Everything/First) (ISBN 1585424579)

out of darkness:
Gurdjieff reveals candidly in the opening pages of Beelzebub's Tales that this First Series of his writings is for the real consciousness buried within us and is intended to "destroy without mercy" the conceptions and views that have become so firmly rooted because of centuries of people living abnormally. He shows us with compelling exactness our place in the universe, our responsibility as human beings and why, despite the best efforts of sacred messengers sent to us from above, we remain tragically separated from what is most essential to the aim of human existence. While helping us to see the harsh truth about ourselves, Gurdjieff does not leave us in the lurch. He leads us back out of the darkness and, as a kind grandfather, guides us patiently toward the light, at every step carefully watering seeds of consciousness that lie buried deeply inside us. On the long journey toward discovering Beelzebub's most subtle lessons, we are helped to feel our smallness and our partiality and to see that if we wish for real understanding, the mind alone, no matter how adroit, will never be enough. Gurdjieff warned us in his introduction not to expect the kind of literature to which we are generally accustomed. As we try our best to penetrate to the core of Beelzebub's Tales, it turns out that we, instead, are being penetrated. The Great Beelzebub, telling stories to his grandson, leads us to rediscover in the depths of ourselves, God's quiet representative. Anyone who approaches Beelzebub's Tales with an attitude of openness is likely to receive substantial help, though the exact manner in which one is worked on by this remarkable influence may remain something of a mystery. Familiarity with the Gurdjieff work is not necessarily a prerequisite to receiving the book's special gifts. If there is a preparation that may allow one to hear better, perhaps it is only the deep wish to be oneself, the wish to live as a normal human being.

Challenging and Thought Provoking - Highly Reccomended.:
This philosophical expose` covers ancient history, many truths about man, and what our planet looks like from the perspective of a higher life form. Wars, Diet, the Creation and Maintainence of the Universe are but a few samples of topics covered by G in his 1200 page tome. The writing style presents a unique challenge to the reader, forcing him to hold consciously the idea presented in his mind, and further to think about it in a way the author had intended. It also minimizes incorrect interpretation, and gives you the pure intent of what the author was trying to say. A fictituous novel - it holds more truth then any non-fiction book I've yet to read. Granted, much is hidden in allegory, but overall his message is clear and obvious, assuming you can hold you attention on the work and not give up on it. Overall it forces your mind to work harder, and thus improve itself throughout the course of the work. Highly reccomended reading for anyone who has mental agility, patience and enjoys the challenge of a truly unique read.

You know this already:
If you are purchasing the hard copy edition of Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson, then you already know that this is one of the most important books of your life. Trying to learn and understand the Fourth Way as taught by Gurdjieff is intentionally difficult. This book is designed to put you to the test. I encourage you to read P.D. Ouspensky's "In Search of the Miraculous" and the "Fourth Way". These books will help awaken you to much of the meaning in "Beelzebub's Tales to His Grandson".

Read it, tried the work they were both a waste of time.:
I don't recommend this book or pursuing this dying philosophy. I read the book and joined the New York Foundation on 123 East 63rd Street in Manhattan and was completely dissappointed. Dont waste your time and money. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tWkqDwfpN0o

A Masterpiece:
This is a masterpiece. It shows Gurdjieff's sense of humor as he imparts an enormous amount of wisdom and truths in this book. And, as he suggests, it should be read more than once to actually get all out of it that can be gotten. To read it carefully, and with thought will show you just what 'man' is really all about, and so much more.