45 pages • 1 hour read
A Vision: An Explanation of Life Founded upon the Writings of Giraldus and upon Certain Doctrines Attributed to Kusta Ben Luka
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Book Brief
305
Book • Nonfiction
1925
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In A Vision, Yeats explores the metaphysical, presenting a cyclical understanding of history, the evolution of the soul, and the artist's role, influenced by mystical experiences and automatic writings. The work unfolds across four books, each dissecting different aspects of human existence and cosmic principles through allegories, poetry, and philosophical discourse. The themes touch on the sensitive subjects of violence and sexual assault.
Mysterious
Contemplative
Fantastical
Challenging
Informative
Reviews & Readership
420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
A Vision by William Butler Yeats is a complex, esoteric exploration of history, philosophy, and mysticism. Critics applaud its profound insights and intricate system of symbols, but the dense and often opaque prose can be challenging. While some appreciate its depth and intellectual ambition, others find it inaccessible and convoluted. Overall, it's a thought-provoking read for dedicated followers of Yeats.
Who Should Read A Vision?
Readers with a deep interest in mystical and esoteric philosophies, as well as those who appreciate intricate symbolism and historical cycles, will enjoy William Butler Yeats' A Vision. Comparable to aficionados of James Joyce's Finnegans Wake or T.S. Eliot's The Waste Land, this book appeals to those seeking profound and complex literary works.
420 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Georgie Hyde-Lees
Georgie Hyde-Lees
Yeats’s wife, who introduced him to automatic writing, contributing significantly to his spiritual and intellectual pursuits and influencing his works.
Maud Gonne
Maud Gonne
An English-born Irish revolutionary and the muse of Yeats, her political activism and personal relationship with him contributed to the emotional depth in his poetry.
Michael Robartes
Michael Robartes
A fictional mystic who introduces the esoteric system central to the philosophical framework of Yeats's work, embodying his fascination with spiritual themes.
Owen Aherne
Owen Aherne
A fictional counterpart to Robartes, known for his skeptical stance and his role in exploring philosophical ideas through debates and dialogue.
305
Book • Nonfiction
1925
Adult
18+ years
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