Magic and Mysticism

An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions

By (author) Arthur Versluis

Publication date:

22 May 2007

Length of book:

208 pages

Publisher

Rowman & Littlefield Publishers

ISBN-13: 9780742558366

Magic and Mysticism: An Introduction to Western Esoteric Traditions is a concise overview, from antiquity to the present, of all the major Western religious esoteric movements. Topics covered include alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy and many more. Magic and Mysticism is ideal for students of Mysticism and New Religious Movements, as well as for general readers of Metaphysics and Esoterica.

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' 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.