Dictionary of Gnosis & Western Esotericism - Ingram Academic Hanegraaff, Wouter J

Name: Dictionary of Gnosis & Western Esotericism - Ingram Academic Hanegraaff, Wouter J
Price: 103.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Hanegraaff, Wouter J
ISBN: 9789004774940

✍️ Hanegraaff, Wouter J

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the secrets of Western esotericism, from antiquity to modernity.

This groundbreaking reference work by Wouter J. Hanegraaff offers an unprecedented scholarly overview of Gnosis and Western Esotericism. For the first time, a single volume comprehensively maps this vast domain, spanning from the intricate spiritual systems of Late Antiquity to their diverse manifestations in the present day. Compiled by over 180 international experts, this dictionary provides authoritative definitions, historical context, and interconnected insights into the often-obscure currents of esoteric thought, making it an indispensable resource for serious students and researchers alike.

Key themes

{'title': 'Mapping Esoteric Traditions', 'body': 'This work meticulously defines and interconnects the myriad currents of Gnosis and Western Esotericism, offering clarity to complex concepts. It navigates diverse schools of thought, illuminating their shared principles and unique divergences across time and geography, providing an indispensable guide to understanding their intricate relationships and intellectual lineage.'} {'title': 'Historical Trajectory', 'body': 'Spanning from Late Antiquity to contemporary expressions, the dictionary traces the evolution of esoteric thought across millennia. It contextualizes movements and figures within their historical epochs, revealing how ancient wisdom traditions have been reinterpreted and sustained through various periods, demonstrating their enduring influence on Western culture and spirituality.'} {'title': 'Scholarly Authority', 'body': 'With contributions from over 180 international experts, this volume stands as a definitive reference in the field. Each entry is crafted with academic rigor, ensuring accuracy and depth, consolidating a vast body of knowledge. It makes complex subjects accessible while maintaining the highest standards of scholarship in esoteric studies.'}

In stock

🏛 Brill 📅 2027 📖 1230 pages 📔 Paperback 📐 Paperback ISBN: 9789004774940

Fun fact

Hanegraaff's *Dictionary* is an indispensable cornerstone for any serious exploration of Gnosis and Western Esotericism. It excels in its unparalleled scope and academic depth, providing rigorous definitions and historical context that are often lacking in popular works. While perhaps too dense for casual browsing, it serves as the ultimate reference for scholars and dedicated students, setting a new standard for the field. It will disappoint those seeking a narrative or introductory text, but for comprehensive research, it is unmatched.

📝 Description: Dictionary of Gnosis & Western Esotericism - Ingram Academic Hanegraaff, Wouter J

NOW AVAILABLE IN PAPERBACK This is the first comprehensive reference work to cover the entire domain of "Gnosis and Western Esotericism" from the period of Late Antiquity to the present. Containing around 400 articles by over 180 international ...

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⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.8/5

★★★★★

If you're a serious student, researcher, or simply captivated by the hidden currents of Western thought, this comprehensive dictionary is an essential addition to your library. It offers authoritative insights for those seeking to deepen their understanding of Gnostic and esoteric traditions.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While highly informative, its comprehensive and academic nature makes it best suited for serious students, researchers, and those already possessing a foundational understanding of esoteric concepts. It is a reference work, not an introductory text.

This dictionary distinguishes itself through its unparalleled academic rigor, historical depth from Late Antiquity to the present, and its specific focus on Gnosis and Western Esotericism, curated by a vast international cohort of specialists, ensuring scholarly precision.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Mapping Esoteric Traditions

This work meticulously defines and interconnects the myriad currents of Gnosis and Western Esotericism, offering clarity to complex concepts. It navigates diverse schools of thought, illuminating their shared principles and unique divergences across time and geography, providing an indispensable guide to understanding their intricate relationships and intellectual lineage.

Historical Trajectory

Spanning from Late Antiquity to contemporary expressions, the dictionary traces the evolution of esoteric thought across millennia. It contextualizes movements and figures within their historical epochs, revealing how ancient wisdom traditions have been reinterpreted and sustained through various periods, demonstrating their enduring influence on Western culture and spirituality.

Scholarly Authority

With contributions from over 180 international experts, this volume stands as a definitive reference in the field. Each entry is crafted with academic rigor, ensuring accuracy and depth, consolidating a vast body of knowledge. It makes complex subjects accessible while maintaining the highest standards of scholarship in esoteric studies.

💬 Quotes from the book

«The concept of Sophia, or Wisdom, in Gnostic cosmologies frequently represents a divine emanation whose fall initiates the material creation, leading to the soul's entrapment within the physical realm.»

«Hermeticism, as understood in Renaissance esotericism, comprises a diverse body of texts attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, advocating for a holistic philosophy encompassing alchemy, astrology, and divine magic.»

📜 Historical context

Before this monumental work, comprehensive, academically rigorous overviews of Gnosis and Western Esotericism were fragmented across numerous specialized texts. This dictionary marks a pivotal moment, establishing a unified and authoritative framework for studying these often-misunderstood traditions, filling a significant void in scholarly resources for the field.

📚 Glossary

Gnosis
Western Esotericism
Late Antiquity

📔 Questions to reflect on

How might a deeper understanding of historical esoteric traditions inform our contemporary spiritual practices or philosophical perspectives?
Consider a specific Gnostic or esoteric concept discussed in the dictionary. How does it challenge or complement your existing worldview?
Reflect on the significance of compiling such a comprehensive reference work for a field often marked by secrecy, diverse interpretations, and historical fragmentation.