My Life: J.G. Bennett and G.I. Gurdjieff: A Memoir, Paperback

The author stresses at the outset that this book is a memoir, not to be confused with an autobiography. The published book is a compilation of a set of manuscripts, and the transcription of a voice recording made in the last year of her life. The text is divided into chapters, each of which gives a vignette of a particular series of events in the author's life - beginning with her sheltered childhood at Eton College; her experiences as a volunteer in the ranks, and later as an officer in the Women's Auxiliary Air Force during the Second World War; her first introduction to the ideas now known as the Fourth Way; the ten months she spent in G.I Gurdjieff's inner circle in Paris in 1949; her life and travels with her husband during the 1950s. This book gives a remarkably candid account of life impressions, and a fascinating insight into the personal lives of two great 20th century teachers. Illustrated with a selection of twenty-four of the author's own sketches in pen and watercolour.

Elizabeth Bennett (1918-1991) was an ordinary woman who followed the precepts of the Fourth Way for almost fifty years and helped many people throughout the world. Originally aspiring to be a stage designer, her studies were interrupted by the outbreak of World War 2. During her period of service in the Air Force, a chance meeting led to her introduction to the Fourth Way teachings through a pupil and friend of John Bennett. Bennett introduced her to G.I. Gurdjieff in 1948. She remained close to Bennett until his death in 1974, and they were married in 1958. After her husband's death she continued to work with his pupils as counselor and mentor, and travelled to visit and work with Fourth Way communities worldwide, until her death in 1991. Elizabeth had four children and lived to see eight of her grandchildren.