"Philosophy and Secrecy "is the first comprehensive exploration and history of philosophical esotericismthe practice of communicating one s deepest thoughts primarily between the lines in the West. Arthur M. Melzer s aim is not to get people to like or endorse esotericism but simply to recognize and understand it as a historical reality that was an active and accepted part of the Western philosophical tradition until the end of the eighteenth century. Like a helpful guide, Melzer walks the reader through what esoteric ...
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"Philosophy and Secrecy "is the first comprehensive exploration and history of philosophical esotericismthe practice of communicating one s deepest thoughts primarily between the lines in the West. Arthur M. Melzer s aim is not to get people to like or endorse esotericism but simply to recognize and understand it as a historical reality that was an active and accepted part of the Western philosophical tradition until the end of the eighteenth century. Like a helpful guide, Melzer walks the reader through what esoteric writing looks like and how it works, offering readings of an ancient (Plato) and modern (Machiavelli) work. It is not based on a secret code of some sort, but on the use of rhetorical techniques that we still employ like metaphor, irony, and insinuation. He also uncovers the different motivations that led writers to disguise their thoughts. At the same time, Melzer explores why we in the modern age seem so averse not just to the practice of esotericism, but even to the mere acknowledgment of its previous existence. But how can one recover this now-lost way of reading? Melzer provides a marvelous Beginner s Guide to Esoteric Reading whichcomparing esoteric reading to reading poetry or, more aptly, to reading a love letterdemonstrates that, while it is an art and not a science, it can be learned. One cannot fully understand the Western philosophical tradition without taking esotericism into account, and Melzer s book provides the perfect guide."
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Seller's Description:
New. Num Pages: 471 pages, black & white illustrations. BIC Classification: HPS. Category: (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 229 x 152 x 36. Weight in Grams: 626. 2017. paperback.....We ship daily from our Bookshop.
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Good-Bumped and creased book with tears to the extremities, but not affecting the text block, may have remainder mark or previous owner's name-GOOD PAPERBACK Standard-sized.
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Fair. Acceptable-This is a significantly damaged book. It should be considered a reading copy only. Please order this book only if you are interested in the content and not the condition. May be ex-library. PAPERBACK Standard-sized.
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New. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 471 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
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Fine. Trade paperback (US). Glued binding. 471 p. In Stock. 100% Money Back Guarantee. Brand New, Perfect Condition, allow 4-14 business days for standard shipping. To Alaska, Hawaii, U.S. protectorate, P.O. box, and APO/FPO addresses allow 4-28 business days for Standard shipping. No expedited shipping. All orders placed with expedited shipping will be cancelled. Over 3, 000, 000 happy customers.
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Seller's Description:
PLEASE NOTE, WE DO NOT SHIP TO DENMARK. New Book. Shipped from UK in 4 to 14 days. Established seller since 2000. Please note we cannot offer an expedited shipping service from the UK.
