This unique book offers clear definitions of Gurdjieff's teaching terms, placing him within the political, geographic and cultural context of his time. Entries look at diverse aspects of his Work, * possible sources in religious, Theosophical, occult, esoteric and literary traditions * the integral relationships between different aspects of the teaching * its internal contradictions and subversive aspects * the derivation of Gurdjieff's cosmological laws and Ennegram * the passive form of "New Work" teaching introduced by Jeanne de Salzmann.
Great summary of most concepts and topics in Gurdjieff's work (and Fourth Way materials). Although colored by the author's take on certain topics (such as her interests in astrology, etc.), it does offer a fairly objective summary of the concepts and can be used as a base for further research into Fourth Way material.
The great thing about this work is it's circular nature. One topic will lead you to more and more as you cycle through the book. There is some argument over lineage purity in Gurdjieff groups but nevertheless this book was very valuable to me.