Against the Modern World: Traditionalism and the Secret Intellectual History of the Twentieth Century

Against the Modern World traces the history and influence of Traditionalism, a secretive intellectual movement founded by French metaphysician René Guénon in the early 20th century. Sedgwick follows the development of this anti-modernist philosophy from its origins in European esoteric circles to its later impact on religious studies, architecture, politics and art across multiple continents. The book examines key figures in the Traditionalist movement, including Frithjof Schuon, Julius Evola, and Mircea Eliade, revealing their connections to both Eastern and Western spiritual traditions. It documents how these thinkers shaped academic discourse while maintaining influence in occult societies and political movements throughout the twentieth century. The work reconstructs complex networks of intellectuals and practitioners who opposed modernization while paradoxically using modern means to spread their ideas. Through extensive research and interviews, Sedgwick maps the movement's evolution from small Parisian circles to international reach. This history illuminates broader questions about modernity, authenticity, and the relationship between esoteric thought and mainstream intellectual life. The tension between tradition and innovation emerges as a central theme, reflecting ongoing debates about progress and preservation in contemporary society.

Readers appreciate the book's detailed research into Traditionalism's influence on politics, religion, and academia. Many note it provides the first comprehensive look at René Guénon and the Traditionalist movement's reach. Readers highlight the clear explanations of complex philosophical concepts and the connections drawn between key figures in the movement. Several reviews praise the coverage of Julius Evola and Traditionalism's impact on fascism. Common criticisms include: - Too much focus on biographical details rather than philosophical analysis - Occasional bias against the Traditionalist perspective - Lack of depth on certain influential figures - Dense academic writing style that can be hard to follow Ratings: Goodreads: 4.0/5 (146 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (41 ratings) One reader on Amazon notes: "Sedgwick provides valuable historical context but sometimes misses the deeper spiritual aspects of Traditionalism." A Goodreads reviewer states: "The book excels at mapping connections between thinkers but can get lost in minutiae."

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🔮 Though René Guénon is considered the founder of Traditionalism, he never used the term himself - it was popularized by later followers who systematized his ideas. 📚 Author Mark Sedgwick was the first scholar to comprehensively trace Traditionalism's influence on fascist movements, Sufism, and academia in a single work. 🎭 Julius Evola, a major Traditionalist figure covered in the book, started his career as a Dadaist artist before turning to esoteric philosophy and radical politics. 🌏 Traditionalism heavily influenced Steve Bannon, who served as White House Chief Strategist. He was particularly drawn to Guénon's concept of cyclical history and civilizational decline. 🕌 The book reveals how Traditionalism spread to the Islamic world through Swiss philosopher Frithjof Schuon, who established a Sufi order that attracted many Western intellectuals.