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

A controversial issue of public debate during the recent years, esotericism can be described as the search for an absolute but hidden knowledge that people claim to access through mystical vision, the mediation of higher beings, or personal experience. In Western cultural history these claims often led to conflicts with more established forms of scriptural religions and with reductionist interpretations in science and philosophy. In this highly readable book Kocku von Stuckrad describes the impact of esoteric currents from antiquity to the present and pursues the continuities and breaks in a tradition that significantly influenced the formation of modernity. When Hermes Trismegistos reveals wisdom of an absolute quality, the unveiling of hidden knowledge in Jewish Kabbalah is transformed by Christians, Renaissance thinkers speak of an 'eternal philosophy,' or when in the 'New Age' people try to get in contact with a source of superior understanding--in every case the dynamic of concealment and revelation is at stake and the ways this hidden knowledge can be made accessible for human curiosity.\*\*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.comAbout the AuthorKocku von Stuckrad teaches at the Institute for the History of Hermetic Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. Previously he was a professor of religious studies at the University of Bayreuth. His most recent work includes History of Western Astrology (published by C.H. Beck in German, 2003, and by Equinox in English, 2005) and Einfuhrung in die Religionswissenschaft (Introduction to the Science of Religion) with Hans G. Kippenberg published in 2003 in German by C.H. Beck. 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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. Introduction: What Is Esotericism? -- Esotericism In The Ancient World -- The Kabbalah : Understanding The Hidden In The Revealed -- The Renaissance : Re-inventing The Ancient World -- Esotericism In The Confessional Age -- Esotericism, Enlightenment, Science -- Institutionalised Esotericism : Secret Societies -- Pioneer Of Modern Esotericism : The Theosophical Society -- Esotericism And Modernity. Kocku Von Stuckrad ; Translated And With A Foreword By Nicholas Goodrick-clarke. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [147]-161) And Index.