October 1, 2006
Philosopher and author Alan Watts (1915-73) was instrumental in introducing Westerners to Eastern thought. Born in England, Watts studied in the United States, becoming an Episcopalian minister and professor before breaking new intellectual and spiritual ground over the course of writing more than 20 influential books. He was also an exceedingly popular speaker. His Sunday-morning radio program, "Way beyond the West," became one of public radio's longest-running series; he hosted national public television's " Eastern Wisdom "in Modern Life and was in great demand as a lecturer. A selection of Watts' energetic, provocative, and shibboleth-shattering talks is now in print for the first time, and his arguments remain vital. With disarming candor, intellectual delight, and spiritual acuity, Watts offers frank assessments of the church and keen elucidations of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Taosim. He also explores essential perceptions and contradictions in "Philosophy of Nature," "Mysticism and Morality," and "Religion and Sexuality." In a time of raging fundamentalism, such erudite, witty, and positive inquiries into religion and right action are a balm and a light.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2006, American Library Association.)