1781 - Louis Claude de Saint-Martin's (The Unknown Philosopher) Esoteric Masterpiece
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin's Des Erreurs et de la Verite (Errors and Truth, or Men Recalled to the Universal Principle of Science) is a cornerstone of late 18th-century esoteric thought. Published under the moniker "The Unknown Philosopher," Saint-Martin's work is a complex exploration of metaphysical principles, human nature, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. He draws upon a range of sources, including Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and his own unique insights, to construct a system that aims to reveal the underlying unity of all existence. Saint-Martin posits that humanity has fallen from a state of primordial knowledge and that true wisdom lies in rediscovering this lost connection to the "Universal Principle." This work lays out his core doctrine, and it is a fundamental work for those studying western esotericism. Saint-Martin would go on to be a very influential theosopher.
Beyond its philosophical content, Des Erreurs et de la Verite is also a window into the enigmatic world of its author. Saint-Martin, a former military officer turned mystic, led a life shrouded in secrecy, conducting clandestine initiations and communicating with a network of disciples through coded correspondence. His teachings, often veiled in symbolic language, fueled speculation and intrigue, contributing to the mystique surrounding his movement. Even the origins and precise nature of Martinism, the esoteric tradition inspired by his work, remain partially veiled, adding to the allure of this foundational text.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. Des Erreurs et de la Verite, ou Les Hommes Rappeles au Principe Universel de la Science. Salomopolis: Androphile. 546 pages. Small 8vo, older 1/2 black morocco over marbled boards (spine ends chipped; both joints strengthened somewhat clumsily). Overall a very good copy, with pages quite clean.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin's Des Erreurs et de la Verite (Errors and Truth, or Men Recalled to the Universal Principle of Science) is a cornerstone of late 18th-century esoteric thought. Published under the moniker "The Unknown Philosopher," Saint-Martin's work is a complex exploration of metaphysical principles, human nature, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. He draws upon a range of sources, including Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and his own unique insights, to construct a system that aims to reveal the underlying unity of all existence. Saint-Martin posits that humanity has fallen from a state of primordial knowledge and that true wisdom lies in rediscovering this lost connection to the "Universal Principle." This work lays out his core doctrine, and it is a fundamental work for those studying western esotericism. Saint-Martin would go on to be a very influential theosopher.
Beyond its philosophical content, Des Erreurs et de la Verite is also a window into the enigmatic world of its author. Saint-Martin, a former military officer turned mystic, led a life shrouded in secrecy, conducting clandestine initiations and communicating with a network of disciples through coded correspondence. His teachings, often veiled in symbolic language, fueled speculation and intrigue, contributing to the mystique surrounding his movement. Even the origins and precise nature of Martinism, the esoteric tradition inspired by his work, remain partially veiled, adding to the allure of this foundational text.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. Des Erreurs et de la Verite, ou Les Hommes Rappeles au Principe Universel de la Science. Salomopolis: Androphile. 546 pages. Small 8vo, older 1/2 black morocco over marbled boards (spine ends chipped; both joints strengthened somewhat clumsily). Overall a very good copy, with pages quite clean.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin's Des Erreurs et de la Verite (Errors and Truth, or Men Recalled to the Universal Principle of Science) is a cornerstone of late 18th-century esoteric thought. Published under the moniker "The Unknown Philosopher," Saint-Martin's work is a complex exploration of metaphysical principles, human nature, and the path to spiritual enlightenment. He draws upon a range of sources, including Christian mysticism, Kabbalah, and his own unique insights, to construct a system that aims to reveal the underlying unity of all existence. Saint-Martin posits that humanity has fallen from a state of primordial knowledge and that true wisdom lies in rediscovering this lost connection to the "Universal Principle." This work lays out his core doctrine, and it is a fundamental work for those studying western esotericism. Saint-Martin would go on to be a very influential theosopher.
Beyond its philosophical content, Des Erreurs et de la Verite is also a window into the enigmatic world of its author. Saint-Martin, a former military officer turned mystic, led a life shrouded in secrecy, conducting clandestine initiations and communicating with a network of disciples through coded correspondence. His teachings, often veiled in symbolic language, fueled speculation and intrigue, contributing to the mystique surrounding his movement. Even the origins and precise nature of Martinism, the esoteric tradition inspired by his work, remain partially veiled, adding to the allure of this foundational text.
Louis Claude de Saint-Martin. Des Erreurs et de la Verite, ou Les Hommes Rappeles au Principe Universel de la Science. Salomopolis: Androphile. 546 pages. Small 8vo, older 1/2 black morocco over marbled boards (spine ends chipped; both joints strengthened somewhat clumsily). Overall a very good copy, with pages quite clean.