An Illustrated Encyclopaedia of Mysticism: and the Mystery Religions

Ranging from Christian mystical theology to Sufism, from the ancient philosophers to the Cambridge Platonists, from visionaries such as William Blake and the author of The Cloud of Unknowing to the role played by drugs, yoga, music and the dance, this Encyclopaedia provides essential information on the manifold aspects of mysticism and will serve as a comprehensive and valuable work of reference for many years to come. Includes 200 illustrations. This richly-illustrated dictionary captures the richness and vitality of Jewish religion and culture: the web of legend and folklore crucial to understanding Judaism. The result is a vital and long-needed companion for anyone seeking to understand the Jewish world now and in past centuries. It describes all the main characters and the legends that have grown up around them; Jewish methods of Biblical interpretation; the framework of Jewish law, literature and poetry; the festivals of the Jewish Year; the different languages and subgroups within the community; and the many countries that Jews have lived in, as well as the importance of the Holy Land. Also revealed is a comprehensive picture of another side of Judaism. This is a world populated by angels and demons; sages and Kabbalists; creatures unknown to zoologists; lucky and unlucky days and numbers; and the hope for a Messianic era when the dead will arise, and man will live in harmony with nature. Presents a dictionary that captures Jewish religion and culture: the web of legend and folklore crucial to understanding Judaism. This title describes the characters and the legends that have grown up around them; Jewish methods of Biblical interpretation; framework of Jewish law, literature and poetry; the festivals of the Jewish Year, and more. [by] John Ferguson. American Ed. Published Under Title: An Illustrated Encyclopedia Of Mysticism And The Mystery Religions. Bibliography: P. 217-227.