The Varieties of Religious Experience: A Study in Human Nature
James, William. The Modern Library, 1929[?]. Hardbound. A chic Modern Library edition of this philosophical classic, featuring the iconic Rockwell Kent–designed end-sheets and jacket reverse printed with the publisher's catalog. James explores the mystical experience, defining it by its ineffablility (or difficulty in being described), noesis (or divine revelation), transience (or limited duration), and passivity (or lack of agency on the part of the mystic). The book has become integral to 12-step programs, as cofounder Bill Wilson had a Road to Damascus experience while reading it and referenced it at least twice in his AA manual, The Big Book.
Tight, square spine. Clean, unmarked interior. Some gently bumped corners, but no other notable wear to the book. Mylar-protected jacket is toned, but else has only very gentle wear. 526 pp. Comparative Religion.
