Revolt Against the Modern World by Julius Evola

This book was my formal introduction to Julius Evola. While I was already familiar with some of his themes from other people’s work, this was my first time reading him directly. I am glad I made the effort. It isn’t the most accessible stuff. Evola requires a particular lens to appreciate. In this collection of essays he isn’t really acting as a polemicist. His goal is not to persuade you to be in favor of his vision of traditionalism and spirituality. If you approach the book that way — thinking it will give you some nice pithy talking points — you will be disappointed.

Rather the goal of his essays here appears to be solely about thoroughly describing true traditionalism. The scholarship is broad — lots of citations and references — and the analysis is provocative. If you already have an interest in mysticism and anti-liberal philosophy, you will dig it. It will get you thinking. Still it is not an easy work to recommend. This sort of heady metaphysical examination requires a certain patience and mindset. That it is broken into separate short essays is helpful. You can dip your feet in and decide whether or not the water is to your liking.

Grade: B