Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge (British Museum Research Publication) - Hardcover

Von Stuckrad, Kocku; Goodricke-Clarke, Nicholas

3.77

60 ratings by Goodreads

9781845530334: Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge (British Museum Research Publication)

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1845530330 ISBN 13: 9781845530334

Publisher: Routledge, 2005

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Esotericism is the search for an absolute but hidden knowledge accessed through mystical vision, the mediation of higher beings, or personal experience. In Western cultural history esoteric approaches to religion have often been in conflict with - and suffered at the hands of - more established forms of religious belief and practice. 'Western Esotericism' presents a very broad and engaging history of the people and ideas which have shaped occult history from antiquity to today. Throughout the history of esotericism the dynamic of concealment and revelation has characterized the search for secret knowledge. Pursued both publically and privately, esotericism has come to influence more mainstream religious practice and culture and has significantly shaped our understanding of modernity. Today, esotericism continues to be practised by a range of both established and new religious movements. 'Western Esotericism' presents the essential guide to one of the most fascinating, provocative, and sustained of religious traditions.

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About the Author:

Kocku von Stuckrad is a Professor in the Religious Studies Department at the University of Groningen.

Review:

"Von Stuckrad is one of the most respected figures in the rich and blossoming field of Western esotericism. Impressive in breadth, analysis and clarity, this text is an excellent introduction to Western esotericism and a welcome addition to any undergraduate or graduate syllabus. Highly recommended." --Religious Studies Review

"Combines chronological organization with an encyclopedic richness." --The Journal of Religion

"A handy orientation to newcomers to the vast field of esoteric studies - Stuckrad traces the historical reach of Gnosticism, hermeticism, alchemy, Kabbalah, Neoplatonism, Rosicrucians, Freemasonry and Theosophy into the modern world." --ww w.wordtrade.com

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