Mysticism

Praise

“Simon Critchley is the most powerful and provocative philosopher now writing about the complex relations of ethical subjectivity and reinvigorated democracy.” —Cornel West

“Simon Critchley’s work manages the difficult task of drawing both accessibility and depth from his vast range of references.” —Daniel Fraser, The Quietus

“Erudite and impassioned, Critchley’s intimate examination of mysticism speaks to a yearning for personal transformation and nothing less than enchantment. A stirring, lyrical meditation on transfiguration.” —Kirkus Reviews

“Critchley is what one might call a ‘working-class philosopher,’ by which I mean he sees philosophy as a proletarian concern rather than an elite activity to be practiced in ivory towers. He approaches every subject — be it suicide or soccer — with the same intellectual rigor. The writing is not only deep and philosophical, but approachable and conversational.” —Tyler Malone, Los Angeles Times

“Critchley is generous without being platitudinous, rigorous but not overbearing.” —Houman Barekat, Vol. 1 Brooklyn

“A study of mysticism—defined as an experience, rather than religious practice—by the great British philosopher Critchley, who mines music, poetry, and literature along the way.” —Sophia M. Stewart, The Millions 

“Mysticism is a lucid, genial guide to a body of writing that describes states of being, and intuitions, that belong and don’t belong to the tradition in which its author finds himself.”  — Brian Dillon, 4Columns

 “For readers looking to become one with the divine, philosopher Simon Critchley points to lessons from renowned religious mystics in Mysticism (New York Review Books, Oct.). In this book, God is optional, and one can find the extraordinary in the ordinary aspects of life.” – Cathy Lynn Grossman, Publishers Weekly