Western Esotericism: A Brief History of Secret Knowledge

by Kocku von Stuckrad

Overview

Esotericism is the search for an absolute but hidden knowledge accessed through mystical vision, the mediation of higher beings, or personal experience. 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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781844657476
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	10/31/2005
Series:	Religion In Culture: Studies In Social Contest And Construction Series
Edition description:	2nd ed.
Pages:	192
Product dimensions:	6.12(w) x 9.19(h) x (d)

About the Author

Kocku von Stuckrad is a Professor in the Religious Studies Department at the University of Groningen.

Table of Contents

Preface I. Introduction: What is Esotericism? II. Esotericism in the Ancient World III. The Kabbalah: Understanding the Hidden in the Revealed IV. The Renaissance: Re-Inventing the Ancient World V. Esotericism in the Confessional Age VI. Esotericism, Enlightenment, Science VII. Institutionalized Esotericism: Secret Societies VIII. Pioneer of Modern Esotericism: The Theosophical Society IX. Esotericism and Modernity