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Wei
Wu Wei
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WEI
WU WEI
The
identity of Wei Wu Wei was not revealed at the time of the
publication of his first book. This well-considered anonymity
will be respected here, though a few background details may
help to put the writings into context. "Wei Wu Wei" was born
in 1895 into a well-established Irish family, was raised on
an estate outside Cambridge, England, and received a thorough
education, including studies at Oxford University. Early in
life he pursued an interest in Egyptology, which culminated
in the publication of two books on ancient Egyptian history
and culture in 1923. This was followed by a period of involvement
in the arts in Britain in the 20's and 30's as a theorist,
theatrical producer, creator of radical "dance-dramas," publisher
of several related magazines, and author of two related books.
He was a major influence on many noted dramatists, poets,
and dancers of the day, including his cousin Ninette de Valois,
founder of the Royal Ballet (which in fact had its origins
in his own dance troupe at the Cambridge Festival Theatre
which he leased from 1926-33).
After
he had apparently exhausted his interest in this field to
a large extent, his thoughts turned towards philosophy and
metaphysics. This led to a period of travel throughout Asia,
including time spent at Sri Ramana Maharshi's ashram in Tiruvannamalai,
India. In 1958, at the age of 63, he saw the first of the
Wei Wu Wei titles published. The next 16 years saw the appearance
of seven subsequent books, including his final work under
the further pseudonym O.O.O. in 1974. During most of this
later period he maintained a residence with his wife in Monaco.
He is believed to have known, among others, Lama Anagarika
Govinda, Dr. Hubert Benoit, John Blofeld, Douglas Harding,
Robert Linssen, Arthur Osborne, Robert Powell, and Dr. D.
T. Suzuki. He died in 1986 at the age of 90.
—Matt
Errey
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