State University of New York Press (SUNY Series in Western Esoteric Traditions), 1997
Back Cover:
The Only Tradition examines the first principles of the perennial philosophy or ancient wisdom tradition as expressed in the writings of René Guénon and Ananda K. Coomaraswamy, and the current breakdown of value, meaning, and culture in the West due to the decline of these principles since the thirteenth century. The book further focuses on the relationship or reciprocity between the first principles and Western and Eastern culture, and discusses the future development of a homogenous, worldwide system of belief that would restore value and meaning to people’s lives.
Quinn argues for a return to the first principles inherent in the perennial philosophy, which constitute the sacred primordial Tradition and which inform all the world’s great religious traditions. His book makes an excellent introduction to this powerful current of European esoteric thought – primordial tradition.
“I cannot recall reading as clear a statement of the perennial philosophy, nor one as solidly based on empirical research, as I have read in this book. The topic of ‘primordial tradition’ or ‘perennial philosophy’ is important in the area of the history of religions, and there are precious few books that deal with it in a sympathetic and yet critical way. Coomaraswamy is mentioned often and honorably in religious studies literature without telling us much about why. Guénon usually is idolized or vilified, if he is acknowledged at all. Books such as Quinn’s, that treat these influential figures honestly and fairly but with an open and critical eye, fill a real need.”
James Burnell Robinson, University of Northern Iowa
William W. Quinn, Jr. is an attorney with the firm of Shea and Wilks in Phoenix, Arizona.
JOB’s Comment:
Quinn sharply criticizes Guénon’s rejection of modern theosophy, most extensively set forth in his early book Le Théosophisme: Histoire d’une pseudo-religion from 1921.
Jan Olof Bengtsson 