Between Two Worlds: My Fifty Years in the Gurdjieff Work James Opie | Foreword by Jeff Zaleski,
editor/publisher of Parabola 2007–2025

James Opie is known internationally as an expert on Oriental rugs, having written two books on the subject. His latest book departs from that topic, as he shares his entire life story in a memoir including episodes of youthful right-wing politics and racism, LSD experiences, resistance to the draft and Vietnam, and eventually the discovery of the teaching of G.I. Gurdjieff.

Along the way, this book recalls many experiences with major leaders of the Work that other literature has not reported, including remarks from John Pentland, Jane Heap (quoted by A. L. Staveley and Michael Currer-Briggs), Paul Reynard, and Jeanne de Salzmann. In relating to Madame de Salzmann, Jim began an encounter with her in Afghanistan unsure of his ability to formulate a "real question."

Her response revealed that his question was real enough, and even life-changing for him.

An online review observes: "In the end, this memoir-with-Gurdjieff reveals how inner efforts and fortuitous help incrementally make a man more mature and serious, though still remaining a beginner."