Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first modern study of Agrippa's occult philosophy as a coherent part of his intellectual work. By demonstrating his sophistication, it challenges traditional interpretations of Agrippa as an intellectual dilettante, and uses modern theory and philosophy to elucidate the intricacies of his thought. It also argues for a new, interdisciplinary approach to magic and its place within early modern culture, using a transhistorical conversational model to understand and interpret the texts. The analysis walks the reader through the text of De occulta philosophia, Agrippa's 1533 masterpiece, explicating the often hidden structure and argument of the work. This volume will especially interest early modern intellectual historians, historians of religions, and scholars interested in the history of linguistic philosophy.
Trade Review"Lehrich's book weaves a tapestry of critical theory and the history of ideas that is highly inspirational; he has given historians of early modern religion, science, and magic a great deal to think about." Steven Vanden Broeke, Renaissance Quarterly, 2005. "Engaging an interesting debate with modern anthropological and linguistic theories, not only does Lehrich manage to draw a coherent and fascinating picture of De occulta philosophia but he provides also some insightful suggestions for further research in order to clarify the role of this work in the development of early modern philosophical thought." Francesco La Nave, Sixteenth Century Journal, 2005.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgements Abbreviations List of Illustrations 1. Introduction 2. Logos and nature 3. Sign, Sigil, Text 4. The Language of Demons and Angels 5. Conclusion Appendix I. Latin Quotations, De occulta philosophia Appendix II. De vanitate on Alchemy Bibliography Index
