I Want to be Alone
Published on 1. June 2010
256 pages
978-1-74266-217-6 (ISBN)
Description
This book looks at some of history's most fascinating recluses and remarkable loners. Some withdrew from society for religious reasons, as in the case of the hermits and ascetics who gave their lives entirely to the service of God by meditating alone in the desert, in cliffside caves, in monastic cells, or, as in the case of Saint Simeon Stylites, on top of a tall rock pillar for 37 years. Some of the world's most powerful leaders and monarches have also sought a solitary and secluded life to try to escape from the burden of their responsibilities: Ludwig II of Bavaria built some of the world's most beautiful fairytale castles on the Rhine, and then lived in them in self-imposed loneliness and seclusion. There are those who hide from the demands of celebrity, like Greta Garbo; and from the pressures of everyday human society, like millionaire Howard Hughes.
More details
Language
English
Place of publication
Sydney
Australia
Publishing group
Murdoch Books
File size
0,45 MB
ISBN-13
978-1-74266-217-6 (9781742662176)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Content
- Intro
- Title Page
- Dedication
- Copyright
- Contents
- Introduction
- Chapter 1: Gaining enlightenment: Indian and Tibetan ascetics
- Chapter 2: Salvation in solitude: Christian hermits and ascetics
- Chapter 3: Walled up: anchorites and anchoresses
- Chapter 4: The contemplative life: hermits in community
- Chapter 5: Renouncing society: poet-hermits of China and Japan
- Chapter 6: Seeking sanctuary: reclusive artists and celebrities
- Chapter 7: A world of one's own: aristocratic and wealthy recluses
- Chapter 8: Choosing solitude: secular hermits and recluses
- Glossary
- Bibliography
- About the author
- Acknowledgements
- Text Credits
- Index
