The Birth of Modernism: Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, W.B. Yeats and the Occult

The Birth of Modernism examines the influence of occult and esoteric traditions on three major modernist poets: Ezra Pound, T.S. Eliot, and W.B. Yeats. Surette challenges the conventional view that modernism emerged primarily from secular and scientific developments. Through extensive research and textual analysis, the book traces these writers' involvement with theosophy, hermeticism, and various mystical practices during the early 20th century. The study draws on correspondence, manuscripts, and lesser-known works to establish the depth of their engagement with occult ideas. The book contextualizes their spiritual and philosophical interests within the broader intellectual currents of the period, including the reaction against materialism and rationalism. Surette demonstrates how esoteric concepts influenced not only their subject matter but also their literary techniques and formal innovations. The Birth of Modernism presents a compelling argument for reconsidering the role of non-rational and mystical elements in modernist literature. This perspective offers new insights into both the personal development of these poets and the nature of literary modernism itself.

Readers note this academic text provides detailed evidence linking major modernist poets to occult practices and beliefs, though some find the writing style dense and repetitive. Readers appreciated: - Thorough research and documentation of primary sources - Clear connections between poets' works and specific occult traditions - Focus on how occult ideas influenced modernist poetry techniques Common criticisms: - Academic prose can be difficult to follow - Assumes extensive knowledge of modernist poetry - Some sections drift into excessive technical detail - Limited discussion of other cultural influences From available online reviews: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (12 ratings) "Deep scholarly work but requires careful reading" - Goodreads reviewer "Important contribution to understanding modernist poetry's origins" - Academic review Amazon: No ratings available The book appears primarily read in academic settings, with few public reviews available online. Most discussion occurs in scholarly journals rather than consumer review sites.

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📚 The occult interests of these major modernist poets weren't merely passing fancies - Yeats was a member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn for over 30 years, while Pound studied esoteric traditions extensively throughout his life. 🔮 T.S. Eliot initially tried to distance himself from occult associations, but Surette reveals how "The Waste Land" contains numerous references to Tarot cards and mystical symbolism. 📖 The book challenges the common academic view that modernism was primarily a secular movement, showing how deeply supernatural and mystical beliefs influenced these writers' works. 🎭 Ezra Pound's economic theories, which many dismissed as eccentric, were actually deeply connected to his occult beliefs about hidden forces controlling society. ✍️ Surette spent over a decade researching this book, gaining access to previously unpublished letters and documents that revealed the extent of these poets' involvement with occult societies and beliefs.