Description
Book SynopsisThe first scholarly book on Thomas Vaughan (1621–1666) draws from recent studies in Western esotericism to place his famously difficult writings in their proper context. It shows that they develop themes from a distinctively Rosicrucian synthesis of alchemy, magic, and Christian cabala. Vaughan introduced Rosicrucian documents to English readers and placed them in older philosophical contexts during the breakdown of censorship that followed the English Revolution against the old order in politics and religion. Willard’s book will appeal to students of early modern ideas about religion, science, and society as they were seen by an intelligent and eloquent outsider.
Table of ContentsAcknowledgments List of Figures Abbreviations A Note on Quotations Introduction Double Obscurity 1 The Progress: A Life of Thomas Vaughan 1 Wales 2 Oxford 3 Civil War 4 London 5 Publishing 6 Profession 7 Marriage 8 Patronage 2 The Bookish Faith: Vaughan’s Reading and Influences 1 The Biblical Tradition 2 The Platonic Philosophy 3 Magic 4 Cabala 5 Alchemy 6 The Rosy Cross 7 Tradition and the Individual 3 Not Easily Apprehended: Vaughan’s Language and Writings 1 Part One: The Alphabet of Nature 1.1 Magical Writing 1.2 Alchemical Rhetoric 1.3 Oracular and Vernacular 1.4 Center and Circumference 2 Part Two: The Key to the Lock 2.1 Anthroposophia Theomagica 2.2 Anima Magica Abscondita 2.3 Magia Adamica 2.4 Coelum Terrae 2.5 Lumen de Lumine 2.6 Aula Lucis 2.7 Preface to The Fame and Confession 2.8 Euphrates 2.9 Preface to The Chymists Key 2.10 Flint, Fire, and Tears: Vaughan’s English Poetry 4 Numbered amongst Ranters: Vaughan’s Reputation 1 The Pamphlet Debate 2 The Stylist, Rival, and Source 3 The Satiric Butt 4 The Legendary Adept 5 The Research Subject Conclusion Invisible History Appendix 1 Annotations in Theatrum Chemicum Britannicum Appendix 2 Preface to Humane Industry Appendix 3 Excerpts from The Ladies Champion Appendix 4 The Term “Spiritual Alchemy” Bibliography Index of Names Index of Subjects Index of Bible Citations
