The Symbolism of the Cross

This book includes the most important works from the vast heritage of the French traditionalist philosopher René Guénon (1886–1951). In "The Symbolism of the Cross," which examines the main symbols of "sacred science" used in various civilizational, religious, and mythological systems, the author demonstrates the inexhaustible wealth of meanings of this ancient ideogram. The work "The King of the World" reveals the mysteries of the hierarchy of spiritual authority and its sacred center. In "Notes on Initiation," Guénon leads the reader to the understanding of initiation as an experience of being connected to true knowledge, which qualitatively surpasses any knowledge of a purely rational order.

The translations of "The Symbolism of the Cross" and "Notes on Initiation" were carried out by T.M. Fadeeva, a leading researcher at the Department of History of the Institute of Scientific Information on Social Sciences (INION) of the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAN). The translation of the research "The King of the World" was prepared by the renowned sinologist, writer, and philosopher B.B. Vinogradsky.

The second edition includes a general preface to the whole book, a preface and illustrations with captions for the section "The King of the World," improved the quality of illustrations for the parts "The Symbolism of the Cross" and "Notes on Initiation," and standardizes the notes for all parts.

For specialists in the fields of history, philosophy, political science, and sociology.