Explores the lives of three 20th-century thinkers . . . Stagg visits the places where they found quiet solace in times of crisis and examines how their solitude influenced their work and genius . . . In an age riddled with noise and distraction, The World Within feels timely. It reminds us that silence and solitude are vital for self-discovery * Press Association * Guy Stagg's The World Within is a compelling and contemplative investigation into the nature of retreat, asking why writers and artists seek periods, or lives, in solitude. Like a detective, Stagg traces the routes of three 20th century figures, arriving at their former sanctuaries with a self-conscious curiosity, speaking to monks, immersing himself in landscapes, listening to the prayers and chants that sustained them. In the shadow of each story is the fractious political history of 20th century Europe war and persecution which deepens the books study, as does Staggs voice candid, self-revelatory, scholarly and empathetic -- Hannah Lowe, Costa-prize winning author of The Kids In this thrilling exploration of the complex nature of retreat and the ever-present allure of solitude, Guy Stagg carves out his own beautiful silences and transformations with prose as luminescent as his brilliantly inquisitive spirit -- Chloe Aridjis, author of Sea Monsters At once lucid and provocatively mysterious, Staggs meditation on the interludes in which three of the last centurys most imaginative minds chose to step back from the world offers fresh insights into their creative trajectories and valuable clues as to how we might renew our own inner lives -- George Prochnik, author of The Impossible Exile The writing is beautiful and pure, the ideas sophisticated but simply said. More than anything, I love the emotional truth this book explores: the tension of wanting to participate in this world, but also retreat from it. In The World Within, Stagg is speaking to the paradox at the heart of the most meaningful journeys we might take -- Sophy Roberts, author of A Training School for Elephants
