René Guénon and the East: Call for contributions

A forthcoming edited volume entitled René Guénon and the East invites contributions.

Guénon famously placed ‘the East’ at the center of his intellectual project, conceiving it as the primary point of access to "the primordial tradition." Although his interpretations of Asian religious traditions have been highly influential, they have only rarely been examined critically by specialists in the relevant fields. This volume aims to address that gap.

The book welcomes historically, philologically, and theoretically informed contributions, including (but not limited to): critical analyses of Guénon’s readings of specific religious traditions; studies of the reception and practical use of Guénonian interpretations; reflections on the political, ideological, and Orientalist implications of Guénon’s concept of ‘the East’; and examinations of exceptional or contested cases such as Japan, Judaism, and Buddhism.

Contributions should not exceed 9,000 words, including notes and bibliography. A first draft is expected by September 2026. Further details regarding the timeline and formal requirements will be provided in due course. Interested scholars are invited to contact the editors for further information. Contact Roberto Corso and Davide Marino, davide.marino@theologie.uni-goettingen.de.