The Rosicrucian Enlightenment (Routledge Classics)

Frances Yates is well-regarded for her superb study "Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition" (1964). This book (1972) is a sequel. It places the murky origins of Rosicrucianism in the context of the religious and political rivalries of the early 17th Century. It is an extremely engaging and fascinating study which, unfortunately, was not carried through to its logical end-point--it reads like a draft of a bigger and more definitive book. But a wonderful draft it is!At this moment there is a danger that the collections of the Warburg Institute, which made all of Yates' work possible, may become unavailable to scholars or even dispersed. These collections are irreplaceable--they are the hard core of scholarship in 16th-17th century cultural evolution. If this book inspires you, please inform yourself and do whatever you can to help preserve this resource for posterity.

Absolutely different and interesting research about the mystical side of early modern history, this kind of book is not written too many times. Most of these kind of books give just shattered "who is who"-collection, but this book investigate the development of magical beliefs, alchemy, science and the connection of these in rosicrusian view, ordinary sources are well attached to the big picture and anachronism is avoided, this is what I call the true historical research. Purely scientific approach to the field that is not considered very scientific. Quite expensive book, but quality costs!

The item was in good condition but not as described by the picture shown ( a different edition). It did not really matter to me but to some bibliophiles certain editions are the selling point. Still 4 Stars, the book was in good condition and delivery was fast. Thanks!

I found this book to be invaluable in clearing the factual fog around the original Rosicrucians. The author was a scrupulous and brilliant historian who has not, as far as I can find, been seriously challenged on her major conclusions by another scholar of similar standing and specialty. The reviewers of this book who claim Dames Yates made "HUGE assumptions" and "misinterpretations" do not cite sources for these claims. Not to do so is, at best, a disservice and at worst, indicative that the sources are not of the same caliber as Dame Yates.

Kind of tedious. Not what I was hoping the topic would be. Lots of information to wade through.

Interesting history of the occult roots of modern science. Lot's of historical information.

Frances Yates is at top form in this book. She not only gives the history, but many of the connections even to the Enlightenment and to the beginnings of the Scientific Revolution. Unexpected links, and comprehensive coverage. A must for specialists.

Book was in good shape. Shipping fast.

Yates's reputation as the leading scholar of intellectual movements of the Renaissance period is well deserved. This book offers significant analysis of the Rosicrucian manifesto's and the intellectual currents which inspired them. The further study of historical developments in early seventeenth century Europe gives an even greater depth of understanding into the realities of the Brotherhood and how its ideology influenced the emergent speculative Freemasonry.In terms of balance, depth, and readability -- Yates is the benchmark for studies of this type.

What a disappointment because of the poor quality print of text and images. I suppose the best image and text quality is on the book cover, not inside. Routledge should be ashamed to allow poor quality control.

Frances Yates shows in this book the philosophical, theosophical, and political currents that created our modern view of scientific study. This is a must read for anybody who has followed her work on the Renaissance.

Dame Frances' studies are always most enjoyable.

Keys to many hidden doors .