James suggested that I read this collection of old essays by Julius Evola. My regret is that I never discovered this book in my youth.

I particularly like what the publisher, Arktos Media LTD., has done with the book design. The Cover is black, with the title, subtitle and author in white, as if hope and redemption is glimpsed from among darkness. In this darkness, is a masculine shadow, ithe grey-shaded sculpture of a solemn European warrior, standing with his great sword pointed to the earth and his hands above the crosspiece, like a hunter waiting in the shadows of dusk or dawn to fulfill his purpose.

Some men have a passion that goes beyond the physical realm. I sought tradition in archery, hunting, rifle shooting, to continually hone my art form for the sake of the sport. This is one reason for my burnout as a hunting guide. I felt like an assassin at this job. My purpose was discovery, and the challenge of learning as much as one can, in my actions and contemplation of the nature of my inner drive that I could not explain fully.

Self discipline, losing your ego, emotional control in action, practicing skills and improving, sacrifice were all things my father sought to instill in me and which I sought to experience and grow wise in. this yearning for the spirit of discovery of the self and the universe through lethal means is the heart of this insightful book.

Yes, I fall short because I never used my skills in battle, after seeing my spiritual brother suffer because of corruption for monetary gain by warfare, have no desire for it, but would hopefully have the courage to defend my family and friends, where the eye of my heart resides!

Thank you James, all your blog members should read and contemplate this excellent essay.

-Ishmael

Ishmael, thank you for sending in this review. I apologize for being late in reviewing this book. I’m on my third reading and have finally gotten a format I think is adequate for presenting Evola’s principals in a manner accessible to most fighting men, as the general reader will find his compression of the complex esoteric difficult. His essays were intended for an audience that had read widely in the classics and in comparative theological literature.

-James