Hermitix The Gospel of Gargoyle by James Harpur (Book Review)
Oct 19, 2025
Dive into the rich themes of James Harpur's latest work, exploring the dynamic between a poet and a grounded gargoyle amidst the backdrop of Notre Dame's fiery past. Discover the tension between transcendence and rootedness in their contrasting perspectives. The discussion flows through the interplay of modernity and medieval symbolism, leading to deeper insights on belief and imagination. Experience the gargoyle's longing for faith and recognition, culminating in revelations about nonduality and the essence of creation.
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Poet, Gargoyle, And The Spiritual Fire
- The Gospel of Gargoyle frames a poetic triangle: poet, gargoyle, and a spiritual fire linked to Notre Dame's literal blaze.
- James Harpur uses this triad to explore how imagination, memory, and paradox reveal a deeper nondual reality.
Host's Opening Excerpt And Context
- Hermitix reads a short grotesque excerpt to introduce Harpur's tone and the book's blend of the uncanny and historical.
- He notes Paul O'Colmain's illustrations and that Harpur's prior work relates to Christian mysticism.
Modern Detail Meets Mythic Imagery
- Harpur blends modern Parisian detail with mythic symbols to stage spiritual questions in everyday settings.
- This contrast shows how contemporary life still carries ancestral, imaginal presences like gargoyles and tombs.
