b/w. frontis. photo. of the author; titles, 'friendly advice' (by Gurdjieff) & contents pages to front. Gurdjieff, in his writings, intended to "awaken" people to their own inner possibilities and potential. "Beelzebub's Tales To His Grandson", the three books that constitute the first series in Gurdjieff's trilogy "All and Everything", distills the essence of his ideas. This book examines life on earth from the viewpoint of beings belonging to a distant world, led by the "all-wise Beelzebub", who is able to perceive the weaknesses and follies of humanity and, through his compassion, can point the way towards possible regeneration. Through this cosmic allegory, Gurdjieff demonstrates a methodology for the spiritual growth of mankind