1549 - Iamblichus On the Egyptian Mysteries
Iamblichus (c. 245 - c. 325 CE), a Syrian Neoplatonist philosopher, played a pivotal role in shaping the esoteric tradition. A student of Porphyry, who was himself a disciple of Plotinus, Iamblichus further developed and expanded the philosophical system of Neoplatonism, infusing it with mystical and theurgical elements.
Iamblichus' "On the Mysteries" is a passionate defense of ancient magic and ritual as a valid path to spiritual enlightenment. Challenging his skeptical teacher, Iamblichus argues that theurgy, the practice of communicating with gods through ritual, allows humans to ascend through a hierarchy of spiritual realms and attain divine knowledge. Drawing primarily on Egyptian practices, he explores the symbolism of ancient rituals and the power of priestly knowledge, ultimately offering a Neoplatonic vision of the interconnectedness between the human and divine.
1549. Iamblichus, De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum. Lugduni (Lyon), Joan Tornaesium (Jean de Tournes). Octavo, in gilded leather over boards with tooling. Leather rubbed throughout, showing through leather. Binding in fair condition but holding. Front and last blank, inside board with attractive 16th handwriting. Complete in 543 pages, w/ printer’s mark. Interior remarkably clean, with little browning or foxing. An important and rare first edition of this landmark occult collection.
Iamblichus (c. 245 - c. 325 CE), a Syrian Neoplatonist philosopher, played a pivotal role in shaping the esoteric tradition. A student of Porphyry, who was himself a disciple of Plotinus, Iamblichus further developed and expanded the philosophical system of Neoplatonism, infusing it with mystical and theurgical elements.
Iamblichus' "On the Mysteries" is a passionate defense of ancient magic and ritual as a valid path to spiritual enlightenment. Challenging his skeptical teacher, Iamblichus argues that theurgy, the practice of communicating with gods through ritual, allows humans to ascend through a hierarchy of spiritual realms and attain divine knowledge. Drawing primarily on Egyptian practices, he explores the symbolism of ancient rituals and the power of priestly knowledge, ultimately offering a Neoplatonic vision of the interconnectedness between the human and divine.
1549. Iamblichus, De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum. Lugduni (Lyon), Joan Tornaesium (Jean de Tournes). Octavo, in gilded leather over boards with tooling. Leather rubbed throughout, showing through leather. Binding in fair condition but holding. Front and last blank, inside board with attractive 16th handwriting. Complete in 543 pages, w/ printer’s mark. Interior remarkably clean, with little browning or foxing. An important and rare first edition of this landmark occult collection.
Iamblichus (c. 245 - c. 325 CE), a Syrian Neoplatonist philosopher, played a pivotal role in shaping the esoteric tradition. A student of Porphyry, who was himself a disciple of Plotinus, Iamblichus further developed and expanded the philosophical system of Neoplatonism, infusing it with mystical and theurgical elements.
Iamblichus' "On the Mysteries" is a passionate defense of ancient magic and ritual as a valid path to spiritual enlightenment. Challenging his skeptical teacher, Iamblichus argues that theurgy, the practice of communicating with gods through ritual, allows humans to ascend through a hierarchy of spiritual realms and attain divine knowledge. Drawing primarily on Egyptian practices, he explores the symbolism of ancient rituals and the power of priestly knowledge, ultimately offering a Neoplatonic vision of the interconnectedness between the human and divine.
1549. Iamblichus, De Mysteriis Aegyptiorum. Lugduni (Lyon), Joan Tornaesium (Jean de Tournes). Octavo, in gilded leather over boards with tooling. Leather rubbed throughout, showing through leather. Binding in fair condition but holding. Front and last blank, inside board with attractive 16th handwriting. Complete in 543 pages, w/ printer’s mark. Interior remarkably clean, with little browning or foxing. An important and rare first edition of this landmark occult collection.