Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed

Description

Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed offers a comprehensive introduction to the complex and often misunderstood field of Western esoteric traditions. Hanegraaff navigates the intricate web of philosophies, practices, and historical developments that constitute esotericism from antiquity to the modern era. This guide unpacks key themes such as alchemy, magic, mysticism, and occultism, while situating them within broader cultural and intellectual contexts.

Written with clarity and scholarly rigor, the book serves as an essential resource for students, researchers, and anyone seeking to grasp the multifaceted nature of Western esotericism without prior expertise. Author Wouter J. Hanegraaff Author Info Wouter J.

Hanegraaff is one of the leading contemporary scholars of Western esotericism and Professor of History of Hermetic Philosophy at the University of Amsterdam. He has been instrumental in establishing esotericism as a legitimate academic field of study, advocating for a rigorous, historically grounded approach to subjects long dismissed as fringe or irrational. His work emphasizes the importance of contextualizing esoteric traditions within broader intellectual and cultural developments.

Hanegraaff s publications, including Esotericism and the Academy and New Age Religion and Western Culture, are widely respected for their clarity, depth, and scholarly integrity, making him a central figure in the field s academic recognition. ISBN-13 978-1441136466 Publisher Bloomsbury Academic Publication Date February 28, 2013 Edition Revised Binding Paperback Condition Used – Very Good Page Count 224 Pages