Chapter 1 Introduction Chapter 2 Antiquity Chapter 3 Late Antiquity: Hermetism, Gnosticism, Jewish Mysticism, Christian Gnosis Chapter 4 The Medieval Era Chapter 5 The Renaissance Chapter 6 Early Modern Esoteric Currents Chapter 7 Modern Christian Theosophy Chapter 8 Western Esotericism Today Chapter 9 Conclusion
Arthur Versluis is the founder and president of the Association for the Study of Esotericism and editor of the journal Esoterica. He is the author of many books and is a professor of writing, rhetoric, and American cultures at Michigan State University.
Arthur Versluis’ prolific writings on Western esoteric thought
continue to shape and define the field. His current work, Magic and
Mysticism, provides lucid insight into a scarcely known tradition
that continues to exert a tremendous influence on the way we see
our lives, and beyond. The breadth of his coverage alone is a
reason to read the book.
*David Appelbaum, SUNY New Paltz*
Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions
is an ambitious recasting of the gnostic insight that has inspired
and influenced countless writers through the ages. Arthur Versluis,
one of the generation's more prolific scholars of esotericism, has
produced a volume that is both comprehensive in scope and exacting
in detail. Moving beyond previous studies that separate mysticism
and magic, Versluis argues that these two products of human
imagination, which are not entirely reducible to rational analysis,
need to be juxtaposed, as they help us define the larger spectrum
of the esoteric. I have little doubt that this work will be of
great interest to specialist and non-specialist alike, to
historians of mysticism and esotericism in particular, and to
students of comparative religion more generally.
*Elliot R. Wolfson, New York University*
Persecuted throughout the ages by orthodox Christians and
marginalized by scholars until recently, esotericism and
esotericists have finally come into their own. In this succinct,
deftly organized, and lucidly written account, Arthur Versluis
presents a history of western esotericism from antiquity to the
present. His book will appeal to anyone interested in the 'third'
or 'gnostic' component of western thought, which provided and still
provides a middle path between faith and reason for those striving
for spiritual enlightenment.
*Alison Coudert, University of California, Davis*
A remarkably clear, erudite, and concise guide to a field that has
been far too long neglected. Versluis manages to compress an
enormous amount of research and insight into a short space. This
will be an extremely useful tool for scholars and seekers
alike.
*Richard Smoley, coauthor of Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western
Inner Traditions*
Versluis brings a delightful balance between scholarly attention to
detail and a warm understanding of the subject and the characters
involved. Magic and Mysticism is joy to read and ideal for anyone
who wants to understand the importance of esotericism on Western
culture and why it is still important to us today.
*Mark Stavish, Institute for Hermetic Studies, author of The Path
of Alchemy*
Arthur Versluis has written a wonderfully concise overview and
analysis of Western esotericism. The scholarship is wide-ranging
and up to date, yet the tone is quite readable and not overly
academic.
*Jay Kinney, former editor and publisher of Gnosis*
This newest work by an outstanding American scholar of Western
Esotericism offers an integrative interpretation of three critical
themes: gnosis, magic, and mysticism. Surveying the intertwined
histories of these themes, the author provides a multitude of
insights on the creative interactions between various historical
schools, individuals, and historic periods, all set against the
social dynamics of anti-esoteric and heresiophobic rhetoric. This
is a crucial, transdiciplinary review that brings new definition
and nuance to the study of Western Esotericism. In addition, the
section on Theosophy give new scope and depths to that topic and
shows its formative influence on contemporary esoteric thought and
practice. Highly recommended.
*Lee Irwin, College of Charleston*
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