Description
Book SynopsisFrom rumours about gnostic orgies in antiquity to the explicit erotic symbolism of alchemical texts, from the subtly coded eroticism of medieval kabbalah to the sexual magic practiced by contemporary occultists and countercultural translations of Asian Tantra, the history of Western esotericism is rich in references to the domains of eros and sexuality. This volume, which brings together an impressive array of top-level specialists, is the first to analyze the eroticism of the esoteric without sensationalism or cheap generalizations, but on the basis of expert scholarship and attention to textual and historical detail. While there are few other domains where the imagination may so easily run wild, the various contributions seek to distinguish fact from fiction--only to find that historical realities are sometimes even stranger than the fantasies. In doing so, they reveal the outlines of a largely unknown history spanning more than twenty centuries.
Trade Review"With its rich and interesting selection of case studies, the variety of theoretical approaches to sexuality and gender, and the illuminating introductory essay by the editors, Hidden Intercourse has brought the subject of erotic esotericism out into the open." Henrik Bogdan, University of Gothenburg, Nova Religion Vol.16, No.4 "Its ambitious chronological and international scope provides a provocative historical survey of the linked topics of eroticism and esotericism... (it) provides a stimulating, enlightening, and often entertaining discussion of "things we do not talk about." Marsha Keith Schuchard, Atlanta, Georgia, Magic, Ritual, and Witchcraft Vol.6
Table of ContentsContributors include: Roelof van den Broek, April D. DeConick, Pierre Lory, Elliot R. Wolfson, Moshe Idel, Claire Fanger, Wouter J. Hanegraaff, Lawrence M. Principe, Allison P. Coudert, Antoine Faivre, Cathy Gutierrez, Arthur Versluis, John Patrick Deveney, Marco Pasi, Hugh B. Urban, Hans Thomas Hakl, and Jeffrey J. Kripal.
