The Quest of Ruru by Jean Michaud (Aula Lucis & Nova UMA Press, 2025) Classic Edition Hardcover

Jean Michaud. The Quest of Ruru: A Tale of Ancient India. London, New York & Amsterdam: Aula Lucis & Nova UMA Press, 2025. Classic edition hardcover. 336 pages. Limited to 700 hand-numbered copies. Originally published in 1948. 

Condition: New

Description from the publisher: 

Third title in the J. Michaud Archive series.

The Quest of Ruru presents a living picture of the India of 2,000 years ago; a glittering panorama of gorgeous scenery: of a tremendous “black” ceremony by an evil wizard; of extraordinary “Tests,” and Initiations into the Arcane Mysteries; of strange adventures; exotic love scenes; of a great Rishi; and of a Master who surely represents the ideal of every Seeker; and — above all — of true elucidations of some of the hidden secrets of the Universe, so far as they may be disclosed.

classic edition

• Limited to 700 hand-numbered copies.
• Trim size 210 x 140 mm.
• 336 pages.
• Bound in light-green Opal cloth, blind-debossed and foil-blocked in gold on all sides.
• Colour frontispiece and six small figure illustrations.
• Text set in ltc Caslon.
• Printed on 120 gsm Munken Pure Rough.
• Textured endpapers in the shade of old gold.
• Striped green-and-gold head & tail bands, and a gold ribbon.
• Presented with a letterpress bookmark.
• First 100 pre-orders will receive a letterpress broadside, featuring the Sarungi.

The Quest of Ruru

by · jean michaud

A Tale of Ancient India.

¶ Ruru’s tale of Initiation in the beautiful land of Hind of over 2,000 years ago bears all the hallmarks of a Hero’s Journey, but its conception and culmination reach such sublime heights that the reader gasps in admiration and rapture. From the beginning we are led on by the inspired writer through a series of mesmerising scenes, from the glittering peaks of the Himālayas and the sylvan beauties of the lords of the forest, through encounters with the most colourful and fascinating people of the ancient India, all the way to the realms empyreal where dwell the Gods themselves. And as they behold with their unwinking eyes the dance of the heavenly Apsarases, the mindful reader gets a glint of that paradisiacal existence, and sweet aromas blend with otherworldly music as we gain further insight into one Seeker’s quest for Truth and Liberation.

¶ Throughout the pages of The Quest of Ruru we make the acquaintance of many contrasting personalities, such as the most lovable Ascetic and the malicious Black Dwarf; the learned and benevolent Brāhman Priest and the menacing, skull-bearing, wandering monk; the wise and kind old philosopher and the seductive and passionate Princess Sulochanā and her chattering maid; all drawn with unerring skill. But there are too many actors and incidents to mention them all in this short synopsis. After many colourful adventures, and never parting for one moment with his precious Sarungi—a gift from a mysterious Rishi to aid him in his Task—Ruru finally meets his Master, Narāda, the wisest of Guides, who becomes his Spiritual Father. From him he receives the keys to Liberation and learns first-hand of the great Sacrifice, and of the burdens readily borne by the Master for the benefit of his Disciple. 

¶ There is no doubt in our minds that the final climax and resolution of Ruru’s mystic Quest is unique in all the world’s literature, and we will gladly be challenged on that statement. It will suffice to say that it is the most exalted and transcendent account of the true Sympathy of Souls one can expect to find in any written work—an Alchemical Marriage par excellence, and the highest conception of what Man, a Child of the Gods, can aspire to in his earthly existence.

¶ To those who know the taste of genuine things and recognise the fire of true inspiration, The Quest of Ruru will be like a draught of clear, refreshing water—once tasted, never to be forgotten, that laves the thirst of mind and heart with Divine Amrita, reminding us that: “Those who truly love are not of the Earth, for their Souls are filled with a strange nectar, flowing from the vessels of Heaven into their thirsty Minds.” As one critic declared upon its publication in 1948, this is a unique Book; a Book which shines with the luminous colours of a magnificent opal of great price.