My dear friend and teacher, the philosopher, antiquarian, artist
and writer John Michell, passed into the Light peacefully on April
24, 2009.
The influence of this gentle, generous and brilliant man upon
me and many others is incalculable.
I had visited him for a week in London the previous
month.
I first encountered John's work in 1972 in "The
View Over Atlantis."
Since then, I've admired his wit and original mind in his many
books, articles and reviews.
He gave the name to my book "A Beginner's Guide To Constructing
The Universe" and wrote it's perfect Preface as well.
He's always been most generous to me and to other researchers,
writers and seekers around the world.
John blazed a trail like no one else, resurrecting
the canonical knowledge of the ancient numerical science and showed
us how to continue exploring it.
I've often wondered in awe at John's deep memory, vast knowledge
of arcane subjects, and insightful vision which penetrated into
areas few others even suspected existed.
Reciting values to ten decimal places was his norm, and quoting
from Plato to Charles Fort he wove a timeless enchantment for
his many friends and admirers.
His sharp wit and humor were like none other's.
He will be missed, although I can still hear his voice.
Here are some links about John and his work:
Wikipedia
Fortean
Times article: The Man From Atlantis
YouTube of
John at FortFest 1998
List of John's Books
CDs of John's talks
at FortFest
Temenos
Academy Recordings:
"The Creation Myth in Traditional Geometry"
and "The Critias: Atlantis, & Why it Fell"
Book
Reviews by JM in The Spectator
John's
Geometric Watercolors
The International Fortean Organization:
Tributes
The
Guardian obituary
The
Independent obituary
Memorial
Memorial
and Funeral photos
John
Michell: A Tribute
John
Michell Memorial 2 July 09
John with his son, the writer Jason
Goodwin
John Michell Memorial Sculpture
A memorial sculpture is being planned to honor John.
Learn how to contribute
to it here
Photographs on this page (c) 2009 Michael S. Schneider
10 May 2009
Updated 4 July 09