Hermetica: The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius in a New English Translation, with Notes and Introduction / Edition 1

by Brian P. Copenhaver

Overview

The Hermetica are a body of mystical texts written in late antiquity, but believed during the Renaissance (when they became well known) to be much older. Their supposed author, a mythical figure named Hermes Trismegistus, was thought to be a contemporary of Moses. The Hermetic philosophy was regarded as an ancient theology, parallel to the revealed wisdom of the Bible, supporting Biblical revelation and culminating in the Platonic philosophical tradition. This new translation is the only English version based on reliable texts, and Professor Copenhaver's introduction and notes make this accessible and up-to-date edition an indispensable resource to scholars.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780521425438
Publisher:	Cambridge University Press
Publication date:	10/12/1995
Edition description:	Reprint
Pages:	408
Product dimensions:	5.39(w) x 8.39(h) x 1.10(d)

Table of Contents

Introduction; Bibliography; Corpus Hermeticum I; Corpus Hermeticum II; Corpus Hermeticum III; Corpus Hermeticum IV; Corpus Hermeticum V; Corpus Hermeticum VI; Corpus Hermeticum VII; Corpus Hermeticum VIII; Corpus Hermeticum IX; Corpus Hermeticum X; Corpus Hermeticum XI; Corpus Hermeticum XII; Corpus Hermeticum XIII; Corpus Hermeticum XIV; Corpus Hermeticum XV; Corpus Hermeticum XVI; Corpus Hermeticum XVII; Corpus Hermeticum XVIII; Asclepius.

Editorial Reviews

"...the only reliable English translation of the eighteen tractates of the Greek Corpus Hermeticum....Students of Gnosticism and Greco-Roman religion and philosophy will consult this book with great profit." Religious Studies News

"Brian Copenhaver's very welcome translation of the Hermetica is able to draw on these important advances [of modern scholarship]....Copenhaver's industry is exemplary, digesting many years' research in many different areas and languages into a dense but comprehensive introduction which ties together dynastic, social and philosophical history, and adding a full and detailed commentary....Copenhaver's edition and commentary is fully abreast of the main lines of contemporary research, and can be confidently recommended to all scholars seeking precise guidance on these difficult works....[T]his is a remarkably useful edition sure to serve as a focal point and catalyst in our understanding of the Hermetic treatises." Brian Vickers, Ambix

From the Publisher