Talks with a Devil

by P.D. Ouspensky and P.D. Ouspensky

Book Overview

Ouspensky has written two stories: "The Inventor" -- an allegory of a modern person faced with the consequences of the miracles of science and technology -- a devilish technology, and "The Benevolent Devil" -- a story that takes place in Ceylon where a young man determines to do battle for his soul -- of course with the "devil!"

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0394485378
• ISBN13: 9780394485379
• Release Date: January 1973
• Publisher: Random House (NY)
• Length: 176 Pages
• Weight: 0.60 lbs.

Customer Reviews

Suddenly a new book by Ouspensky

These two tales came as a surprise. I've been working with G. and O. for three decades and had never come across these two tales. Essentially two short novella teaching stories. They are a wonderful addition to the work tradition and belong in any serious student's library.

Excellent brainstorming!!

A great book dealing with the possibilities and the power of human nature. It is highly metaphorical making you perceive the way people should guide their lives in a unique, very spiritual and inspiring way. Both stories are great but I really enjoyed the second one which divides people in two categories: the ones which keep in thouch with their spirituality and perceive life as a unique experience involving self-discipline, universal understanding and completion of the soul. On the other side are the narrow-minded people who are strained by social, economical and materialistic prejudices...worn off (without having the conception of that) are merely happy with their lives...being tottaly incorporated with the materialistic way of life and having no idea about what is happening behind the 'scene'. An inspiring book!!

A study of Human Motivation

Ouspensky presents an original and very readable study of the human mechanism . Consideration of the way we live our lives can be unpalatable when directly confronting negative aspects of our behaviour such as eating and drinking to excess or unsatisfactory handling of our time or relationships . This book presents these matters and others in an absorbing account of the problems faced by the Devil and his assistants in striving to assist human beings to relate more fully to the material world.The story is amusing while giving insights which are not immediately apparent . Much of the enjoyment of the book comes after reading of it is completed.

Two terrific allegories about the devil in human affairs.

P.D. Ouspensky's Talks With A Devil provides two allegories about the devil: one in which the devil of technology is faced with science, the other where a man battles against the devil for his soul. These two stories by the philosopher and student of Gurdjieff's teachings provides an similar tales which explore devils' interests in human affairs.

Insightful, and thought provoking

One of the most introspective glimpses into the drama of human existence, this is a book for those who seek insight. What amazed me, as I first casually perused its pages, was the peculiar way in which it was presented, as if from the viewpoint of a devil, or demon, or something of that sort. I recommend this book for readers who prefer to read their books for the purpose of contemplation, and discourage any who might simply "collect" this book for its rarity. It is a novel packed with subtle philosophical wealth, and it is high upon my list of international masterpieces.