“Shines a floodlight on a topic that has been cloaked in obscurity . . . a landmark work in both intellectual history and political theory” (The Wall Street Journal). Philosophical esotericism—the practice of communicating one’s unorthodox thoughts “between the lines”—was a common practice until the end of the eighteenth century. Despite its long and well-documented history, however, esotericism is often dismissed today as a rare occurrence. But by ignoring esotericism, we risk cutting ourselves off from a full understanding of Western philosophical thought. Walking readers through both an ancient (Plato) and a modern (Machiavelli) esoteric work, Arthur M. Melzer explains what esotericism is—and is not. It relies not on secret codes, but simply on a more intensive use of familiar rhetorical techniques like metaphor, irony, and insinuation. Melzer explores the various motives that led thinkers in different times and places to engage in this strange practice, while also exploring the motives that lead more recent thinkers not only to dislike and avoid this practice but to deny its very existence. In the book’s final section, “A Beginner’s Guide to Esoteric Reading,” Melzer turns to how we might once again cultivate the long-forgotten art of reading esoteric works. The first comprehensive, book-length study of the history and theoretical basis of philosophical esotericism, Philosophy Between the Lines is “a treasure-house of insight and learning. It is that rare thing: an eye-opening book . . . By making the world before Enlightenment appear as strange as it truly was, [Melzer] makes our world stranger than we think it is” (George Kateb, Professor of Politics, Emeritus, at Princeton University). “Brilliant, pellucid, and meticulously researched.” —City Journal

A selection of classical literature is recommended by Mr. Hall, who has himself amassed the library of the Philosophical Research Society, one of the most respected repositories of rare esoteric source material. Great works from the fields of comparative religion, philosophy and world cultures, esoteric arts, sciences, and fiction are discussed. Includes an index and bibliography. Also invaluable for the bibliography of Mr. Hall's own writings.

As the title testifies, students were sworn to secrecy before being given access to this magic text, and only a few manuscripts have survived. Bits of its teachings, such as the use of the magic whistle for summoning spirits, are alluded to in other texts. Another key element of its ritual, the elaborate “Seal of God,” has been found in texts and amulets throughout Europe. Interest in The Sworn Book of Honorius has grown in recent years, yet no modern translations have been attempted—until now. Purporting to preserve the magic of Solomon in the face of intense persecution by religious authorities, this text includes one of the oldest and most detailed magic rituals. It contains a complete system of magic including how to attain the divine vision, communicate with holy angels, and control aerial, earthly, and infernal spirits for practical gain. Largely ignored by historians until recently, this text is an important witness to the transmission of Kabbalah and Jewish mysticism to European Hermeticists.

This first volume of 'T Subba Row Collected Writings' covers such subjects as: The Twelve Signs of the Zodiac; The Philosophy of Spirit; A Personal and Impersonal God; as well as: Inquiries into Buddhism; the Sevenfold Principles in Man; and a detailed biographical overview. With these pages the reader may find material for deeper spiritual and intellectual reflection and in harmony with the root ideas of the Theosophical renaissance initiated by Blavatsky in 1875. Subba Row's genius lent high energy and insight in this impetus and these two volumes now add significantly to the wisdom treasure of the already published volumes of Blavatsky reference books also compiled by Henk Spierenburg.

My Little Occult Book Club is a hilarious collection of Steven Rhodes' parody book covers for the aspiring occultist, exorcist, necromancer, and more, illustrated in his fan-favorite artistic twist on retro '70s and '80s children's books. The humorous fake titles include Sell Your Soul! (Economics for Children), Necromancy for Beginners, and Caring for Your Demon Cat, and much more. • Written in a playful voice that parodies subscription book catalogs • Features fun puzzles and activities • Funny fake mail order offers for gifts such as "Cursed Videocassette" Whether you're looking for a health guide for your changing werewolf body or a simple introduction to alien abduction, this silly and twisted read features a wide selection of books for any occult need. For fans of dark humor, nostalgic horror, and vintage books alike, don't wait—order today! • Perfect book for fans of Stranger Things, IT, and The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina • You'll love this book if you love books like Yiddish with Dick and Jane by Ellis Weiner and Barbara Davilman and My Best Friend's Exorcism: A Novel by Grady Hendrix

The unifying factor of this collection is, that without exception, every author included here was in some way or another involved with or interested in the occult. In some cases, they were members of an occult organization, such as the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, the Theosophical Society or similar such groups. Others simply had a strong personal interest in the subject matter or practiced some form of the esoteric sciences in private, their interests having been preserved through diary entries and letters to their peers or documented by the publishing legacy they left behind. The co-mingling of fiction and non-fiction is very much how this written material would have been published at the time. Writers include Manly P. Hall, Aleister Crowley, Algernon Blackwood, Helena P. Blavatsky, Arthur Machen, Franz Hartmann, Lafcadio Hearn, Lord Dunsany, C. W. Leadbeater, William Q. Judge, H. W. Percival and Richard Garnett.

Theosophy across Boundaries brings a global history approach to the study of esotericism, highlighting the important role of Theosophy in the general histories of religion, science, philosophy, art, and politics. The first half of the book consists of seven perspectives on the activities of the Theosophical Society in very different regional contexts, ranging from India, Vietnam, China, and Japan to Victorian Britain and Israel, shedding new light on the entanglement of "Western" and "Oriental" ideas around 1900. The second half explores specific cultural influences that Theosophy exerted in the spheres of literature, art, and politics, using case studies from Sri Lanka, Burma, India, Japan, Ireland, Germany, and Russia. The examples clearly show that Theosophy was part of a truly global movement, thus providing an outstanding example of the complex entanglements of the global religious history of the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries.