Arthur Versluis, Magic and Mysticism; An Introduction to Western Esotericism (Lanham, Md.: Rowan and Littlefield, (2007), 179 pp. $28 (paperback).
Melissa Harrington
Pomegranate The International Journal of Pagan Studies July 10, 2016 DOI: 10.1558/pome.v18i1.28137 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Review Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Topics | Mysticism |
| Key findings | The reviewer describes Versluis's book as a clear, comprehensive, and readable guide to the historical antecedents of Western Esotericism, covering millennia of history, theology, philosophy, magic, mysticism, and esotericism, and engaging with key questions in the academic study of the field. |
Abstract
Professor Arthur Versluis’ introduction to Western Esotericism provides a clear account of the historical antecedents of contemporary Western Esotericism, interweaving strands and transmission, and scholars who have illuminated this fascinating field. He engagingly explores millennia of history, theology and philosophy, magic, mysticism, esotericism, and the ground between, in a remarkably comprehensive guide. It is simply structured, easily readable and will appeal to a wide audience. Verslius’ discussions extend into many key questions about the academic study of esotericism, making the book a useful addition to any university library.
Comparable studies
Other narrative reviews on mysticism, most cited first.
| Study | Year | Design | Participants |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are “mystical experiences” essential for antidepressant actions of ketamine and the classic psychedelics? | 2024 | Review | |
| The Beyond Within: The LSD Story | 1965 | Book review | |
| Psilocybin occasioned mystical‐type experiences | 2020 | Narrative review | |
| Ecstasy research in the 20th century – an introduction | 2019 | Review | |
| Predictors and potentiators of psychedelic-occasioned mystical experiences | 2022 | Review |