Early Writings of Alan Watts

by Alan W. Watts, Mark Watts (Editor), John Snelling

Covering the early years-from 1931, when Alan was still a schoolboy, to 1938, when he left Britain for the United States-this book includes all the earliest published pieces by Alan Watts. Essays, book reviews, poems, and letters provide a rich chronicle of the development of his thoughts and philosophy.

Genres: Religion, Philosophy

Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

About the author

Alan Wilson Watts was a British philosopher, writer and speaker, who held both a Master's in Theology and a Doctorate of Divinity. Famous for his research on comparative religion, he was best known as an interpreter and popularizer of Asian philosophies for a Western audience. He wrote over 25 books and numerous articles on subjects such as personal identity, the true nature of reality, higher consciousness, the meaning of life, concepts and images of God and the non-material pursuit of happiness. In his books he relates his experience to scientific knowledge and to the teachings of Eastern and Western religion and philosophy.

Reviews

[know1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are some pearls even among the earliest writings of Alan Watts in his teens and early twenties. Recommended not only for fans of the author, for these writings are much more insightful than tons of contemporary dharma books.

[Greg · Rating 4 out of 5]

These are remarkable essays on buddhism, written when Alan Watts was between the ages of 16 and 23. The essays also provide insights in life in England during the 1930's. The essays are mostly short pieces, so this is an easy book to pick up and put down.