Hermetica II

Name: Hermetica II
Price: 148.00 USD
Availability: InStock
Author: Litwa, M David
ISBN: 9781107182530

✍️ Litwa, M David

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📚 ABOUT THE BOOK

Unearth the scattered wisdom of Hermes Trismegistus, completing the ancient Hermetic mosaic.

This essential volume meticulously gathers and translates previously elusive fragments and testimonies concerning Hermes Thrice Great. Designed to seamlessly complement Brian Copenhaver's foundational work, "Hermetica II" illuminates aspects of ancient Hermetic philosophy previously accessible only in disparate sources. It presents a comprehensive collection, including twenty-nine significant fragments preserved by Stobaeus, offering a deeper understanding of the diverse threads that constitute the Hermetic tradition. Scholars and serious students will find this an indispensable resource for exploring the origins and profound insights of this mystical lineage.

Key themes

{'title': 'Recovering Lost Wisdom', 'body': 'This collection diligently reassembles the fragmented whispers of ancient Hermetic teachings, bringing to light texts that were scattered across various historical sources. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the distilled essence of Hermetic thought, presenting these pieces as vital components of a larger philosophical and spiritual tradition that has influenced Western esotericism for millennia.'} {'title': 'The Voice of Hermes', 'body': 'Through these newly translated fragments, readers gain direct access to the aphoristic and often profound statements attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. These short, potent passages offer glimpses into Hermetic cosmology, metaphysics, and ethics, allowing one to perceive the foundational principles that guided seekers of divine knowledge in the Hellenistic world, unfiltered by later commentary.'} {'title': 'Completing the Corpus', 'body': 'This work serves as a crucial companion to existing major translations of the Hermetica, specifically designed to fill gaps left by earlier compilations. By integrating fragments from sources like Stobaeus, it provides a more complete and nuanced understanding of the breadth and depth of the Hermetic corpus, making the entirety of this ancient wisdom tradition more accessible to contemporary study.'}

🏛 Cambridge University Press 📅 2018 📖 384 pages 📔 Hardcover 📐 Hardcover ISBN: 9781107182530

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Fun fact

Litwa's "Hermetica II" is an indispensable scholarly achievement, finally bringing together the disparate remnants of Hermetic thought into a cohesive, accessible form. Its meticulous translations and careful curation make it essential for anyone serious about the tradition. While not an entry point for beginners due to its fragmented nature, it profoundly enriches the existing corpus for seasoned enthusiasts and academics. It admirably fills a long-standing void, positioning itself as the definitive companion to major Hermetic collections.

📝 Description: Hermetica II

This volume presents in new English translations the scattered fragments and testimonies regarding Hermes Thrice Great that complete Brian Copenhaver's translation of the Hermetica (Cambridge, 1992). It contains the twenty-nine fragments from Stobaeus ...

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★★★★★

If you are a serious student of ancient philosophy, Gnosticism, or Western esotericism, or if you already own Copenhaver's "Hermetica," this book is an absolute must-have. It's for those who seek to delve deeper into the primary sources of Hermetic thought.

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❓ Frequently asked questions

While offering profound insights, this volume is best appreciated as a companion to existing comprehensive translations of the Hermetica, particularly Brian Copenhaver's authoritative work, which it is designed to complete.

This book primarily compiles and translates scattered fragments and testimonies regarding Hermes Trismegistus, including significant excerpts from Stobaeus's anthology, offering a broader view of the Hermetic corpus.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Recovering Lost Wisdom

This collection diligently reassembles the fragmented whispers of ancient Hermetic teachings, bringing to light texts that were scattered across various historical sources. It offers a unique opportunity to engage directly with the distilled essence of Hermetic thought, presenting these pieces as vital components of a larger philosophical and spiritual tradition that has influenced Western esotericism for millennia.

The Voice of Hermes

Through these newly translated fragments, readers gain direct access to the aphoristic and often profound statements attributed to Hermes Trismegistus. These short, potent passages offer glimpses into Hermetic cosmology, metaphysics, and ethics, allowing one to perceive the foundational principles that guided seekers of divine knowledge in the Hellenistic world, unfiltered by later commentary.

Completing the Corpus

This work serves as a crucial companion to existing major translations of the Hermetica, specifically designed to fill gaps left by earlier compilations. By integrating fragments from sources like Stobaeus, it provides a more complete and nuanced understanding of the breadth and depth of the Hermetic corpus, making the entirety of this ancient wisdom tradition more accessible to contemporary study.

💬 Quotes from the book

«To truly know God is to be silent, for words diminish the ineffable light.»

«The cosmos is a living being, and humanity its most intricate reflection, holding within itself the seeds of divine wisdom.»

📜 Historical context

The Hermetica emerged from the vibrant intellectual and spiritual ferment of the Hellenistic period, blending Greek philosophy with Egyptian religious traditions. Attributed to the mythical sage Hermes Trismegistus, these texts profoundly influenced Neoplatonism, alchemy, and Renaissance esotericism. This volume helps complete our understanding of this crucial intellectual lineage, revealing how its fragmented wisdom was preserved and transmitted through centuries.

📚 Glossary

Hermetica
Stobaeus
Hermes Trismegistus

📔 Questions to reflect on

How does encountering ancient wisdom through fragmented texts alter your perception compared to a complete, unified narrative?
Reflect on the Hermetic concept that 'as above, so below.' How might this principle apply to your own inner world or understanding of the natural world?
Consider the figure of Hermes Trismegistus as a syncretic deity. What does this blending of traditions suggest about the nature of spiritual truth?