This 1964 memoir about Fritz Peters’ time with Gurdjieff is wonderfully evocative and is an insightful exploration of what it was like to be close to this controversial guru and be part of his Institute for the Harmonious Development of Man. I’ve never quite understood what Gurdjieff’s teaching and philosophy was all about nor why so many disciples flocked to him (including Katherine Mansfield, to my surprise) but from Peters’ memoir I did at least get some understanding of Gurdjieff’s appeal, not least because Fritz Peters, even as a boy was very clear-sighted and non-judgemental. He was sent to the Institute when his mother had a breakdown and he was placed under the guardianship of Margaret Anderson and Jane Heap, editors of The Little Review. Jane Heap placed him in the Institute and he was to some extent taken under Gurdjieff’s wing, although ultimately chose to return to his mother in America. The years he spent in France come vividly to life and he established a relationship with Gurdjieff which lasted the rest of his life. Essential reading for anyone interested in Fritz Peters’ work as well as in Gurdjieff as man and teacher.