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In Defence of Sensuality
Hardcover
ISBN13: 9781025359946
Publisher: Tradd Street Press
Published: Feb 14 2026
Pages: 290
Weight: 1.28
Height: 0.69 Width: 6.14 Depth: 9.21
Language: English
In Defence of Sensuality is a profound and idiosyncratic philosophical treatise by John Cowper Powys that explores the concept of life-worship and the pursuit of individual happiness through sensory awareness. In this work, Powys argues for a return to a more primitive, elemental state of being, which he identifies as the ichthyosaurus ego-a core level of consciousness that finds satisfaction in the simple act of existing and the quiet appreciation of the natural world.
Rather than advocating for hedonism in the conventional sense, the author defends a type of lonely, contemplative sensuality. He urges the reader to cultivate a rich inner life and to find liberation from the stifling constraints of social expectations and collective morality. By focusing on the direct sensations of the body and the mind's interaction with its immediate environment, Powys suggests that one can achieve a state of tranquil defiance against the pressures of the modern world.
Known for its visionary intensity and deeply personal tone, In Defence of Sensuality remains a significant contribution to early twentieth-century thought. It offers a unique perspective on the relationship between the self, the body, and the cosmos, making it essential reading for those interested in existential philosophy, nature writing, and the literary legacy of one of England's most original thinkers.
This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work was reproduced from the original artifact, and remains as true to the original work as possible. Therefore, you may see the original copyright references, library stamps (as most of these works have been housed in our most important libraries around the world), and other notations in the work.
This work is in the public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work.
As a reproduction of a historical artifact, this work may contain missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.
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