Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed

I found this a reasonable, albeit dated introduction to what has become to be called "Western Esotericism" by today's schoolmen. I got started long before it became institutionalized in scholarly circles as a course of study, then esotericism was "kind of" studied (and much derided) as an obscure topic in "history of ideas". I am uncomfortable with the singularity of "Western Esotericism" as it implies if western then there must be other esotericisms (so where are they?). I see a general fragmentation into a plethora of adjective esotercisms. Nor do I see esotericism as an ideological -ism per se. Rather as an existential engagement (some might say intanglement) of noetic-noematic activity or mind that understands the world's appearance and dynamics differently from received perspectives taught to us. On the whole this does well as an introduction, that is to say a point of departure not arrival...

This text is exactly as advertised, I'm a blank slate beginner when it comes to esotericism and this book has been th perfect starting ground. It's a really great introduction to the philosophy and history involved and makes no attempt to guide the reader down one path or another. You could easily read this whole book and come away unconvinced that there is any sort of divinity in this world, but have still gained much from the scholarly look into the subject. I think it's a good read for anyone, period.

I loved the first half which was filled with big ideas. The second half was a bit drier and more textbook-like.

Hanegraaff's work is an excellent beginning textbook for anyone wanting to become acquainted with the field of esotericism. By the nature of subject matter, it has to cover a wide field with a polyglot literature in what seems to this reviewer to be an insufficient number of pages. But it is a beginner's textbook. As one who has a reasonable command of the literature in French on the subject, I was, of course, aware of a few gaps in the coverage. But it is a beginning textbook. Hanegraaff wisely points out gaps in the literature, especially with respect to early twentieth century occultism, especially relating to Papus, de Guaita, and others of the same generation. As to the utility of the book, I suggest that it is the equal of the latest edition of Antoine Faivre's *L'ésotérisme (Que sais-je ?)* and some of the works of Joscelyn Godwin. If you're interested in this field, you really need to read Hanegraaff's book. I cannot write highly enough of it.

Over the last number of years I have been studying esoteric traditions but, it has not been easy. The post Enlightenment secularization of society has criticized, obscured or buried the way for those seeking deeper esoteric insights. After the tragedy of WWII, Enlightenment based modern secular "truths" have been questioned. During the 60's to the present, interest in esoteric traditions have increased. But, without a clear way forward, all sorts of books claiming esoteric knowledge have been written based on varying degrees actual experience and connection with pre-enlightenment wisdom. Researching the vast number of books on the subject can seem like stumbling through a thick forest with faded trails. Prof. Hanegraaff's "Western Esotericism - A Guide for the Perplexed" is welcome pathway out of the woods. The book addresses post Renaissance and Enlightenment criticism and helps to clear away the secular underbrush hiding esoteric pathways. Hanegraaff also defines Western Esotericism; gives a brief history; identifies and organizes various types of esotericism; and mentions key books for further research. I strongly recommend this book.

This book is great for putting into order and context one's accumulated knowledge in the field! not all the amount of detail might be of interest to a general reader, but it is certainly great for academics! Another academic author I would highly recommend because more approachable and readable is J. Godwin, especially The golden thread.

Wow....Today is December 10 and the date on the book is December 9.

Very confused, though it generated a good conversation in my grad class

Esotericism is a popular subject but remains a non understood by many. This guide is a superb work of explaining everything you wanted to know about esotericism with great, non judgemental, clarity and concision ! It gives historical e sociological context within an Academic approach, it is one of the best books I have ever read in this field.

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I am much less perplexed about esotericism now

Excellent overview, well written