Western esotericism has been a pervasive presence in Western culture from late antiquity to the present day, but until recently it was largely ignored by schola

Widely received in France, this brief, comprehensive introduction to Western esotericism by the founder of the field is at last available in English. A historic

This is the first systematic treatment of esotericism to appear in English. Here is also a historical survey, beginning with the Alexandrean Period, of the vari

For more than three hundred years the practice of Masonic rituals of initiation has been part of Western culture, spreading far beyond the boundaries of traditi

Provides overview, from antiquity onwards, on various Western religious esoteric movements. This book includes topics such as: alchemy, Gnosticism, Hermeticism,