The Primordial Tradition of Ancient China

“This is an awe-inspiring book on the Chinese Primordial Tradition, written by one of the few Europeans who was able to penetrate its profound wisdom. Admirably translated from French and introduced by Joscelyn Godwin, Matgioi’s text speaks to the reader with diamond-like clarity and force.” * Christopher McIntosh, author of Occult Russia, Occult Germany, and The Call of the Old Gods *“This is a fine translation of an important text, with a very helpful introduction. Anyone interested in René Guénon or Traditionalism should read it.” * Mark Sedgwick, professor of Arab and Islamic Studies at Aarhus University and author of Traditionali *“Through Joscelyn Godwin’s translation, we are introduced to the cornerstone of Traditionalist philosophy: Matgioi. His ideas on the Primordial Tradition are as relevant today as when they were written, with many of his writings being genuinely prophetic. Here we discover the influences of Daoism and Matgioi’s understanding of it as the doctrine of heroic adepts and their transcendent force, which expands—both for themselves and others—as they participate in the “Will of Heaven” and experience the path of the Dragon in its most archaic form.” * Mark Stavish, founder and director of the Institute for Hermetic Studies and author of The Path of F *

Eugène Albert Puyou, comte de Pouvourville (August 7, 1861–December 30, 1939), known later by his Taoist name, Matgioi, was a French orientalist, warrior, novelist, and translator. He spent many years in Asia, studied with a Taoist master, and was initiated into a Taoist secret society.

Joscelyn Godwin is an emeritus professor of music at Colgate University and the author, editor, and translator of many books, including Cosmic Music, The Golden Thread, and Atlantis and the Cycles of Time. Known for his translations of Fabre d’Olivet and Julius Evola, he lives in Hamilton, New York.