The first easily accessible translation of the esoteric writings that
inspired some of the world's greatest artists, scientists, and
philosophers.
Here is an essential digest of the Greco-Egyptian writings attributed to
the legendary sage-god Hermes Trismegistus (Greek for thrice-greatest
Hermes), a combination of the Egyptian Thoth and the Greek Hermes.
The figure of Hermes was venerated as a great and mythical teacher in
the ancient world and was rediscovered by the finest minds of the
Renaissance. The writings attributed to his hand are a time capsule of
Egyptian and Greek esoteric philosophy and have influenced figures
including Blake, Newton, Milton, Shelley, Shakespeare, Botticelli,
Leonardo da Vinci, and Jung.
Providing a fascinating introduction to the intersection of the Egyptian
and Hellenic cultures and the magico-religious ideas of the antique
world, The Hermetica is a marvelous volume for anyone interested in
understanding the West's roots in mystical thought.