Western Esotericism, A Brief History of Secret Knowledge; Religion in Culture: Studies in Social Contest and Construct
London: Equinox Publishing, 2005. First English language softcover edition. Softcover. Octavo. xii + 168pp. Illustrated covers, bibliography and index. Note - this is the 2005 Equinox first softcover edition - not the later reprint. From the publisher: "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." From the library of Aleister Crowley scholar Martin P. Starr with a "post it note" printed with Starr's name loosely inserted for use as a book mark. There is also a long ink gift note on the half-title page addressed to Starr. All else in about Fine condition. Item #68092
ISBN: 1845530349
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