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The Philosopher's Secret Fire

A History of the Imagination

Patrick Harpur

The visionary tradition of spirits, gods, and demons continues to subvert our rational universe, erupting from the shadows in times of intense religious and philosophical transition. In this dazzling history, Patrick Harpur links together fields as far apart as Greek philosophy and depth psychology, Renaissance magic and tribal ritual, Romantic poetry and the ecstasy of the shaman, to trace how societies have used myths to make sense of the world.
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Ivan R. Dee
Pages: 336 • Trim: 6½ x 9¾
978-1-56663-485-4 • Hardback • November 2002 • $27.50 • (£19.99)
Subjects: History / Ancient / General, History / Europe / General, History / World, Philosophy / General
Patrick Harpur's Daimonic Reality was critically acclaimed. He lives in Dorchester, England.
An intellectual treat and a thrill for one's fantasy, this book is aglow with power to re-enchant our world.
— Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB, co-founder of gratefulness.org


Fascinating.... He thoughtfully presents traditions from around the world.
— Library Journal


Splendid...brilliant...accessible.... He writes clearly, passionately and intimately.
— Fortean Times


Harpur leads us through history's secret chambers with such grace of language and insight that we forget the hour.... Required reading.
— Dianne Skafte


This illuminating book flashes with the fire of its title.... Learned and engaging at once...a welcome contribution.
— Patricia Monaghan


Delightful...particularly useful as an introductory text.
— Spring Journal


The Philosopher's Secret Fire

A History of the Imagination

Cover Image
Hardback
Summary
Summary
  • The visionary tradition of spirits, gods, and demons continues to subvert our rational universe, erupting from the shadows in times of intense religious and philosophical transition. In this dazzling history, Patrick Harpur links together fields as far apart as Greek philosophy and depth psychology, Renaissance magic and tribal ritual, Romantic poetry and the ecstasy of the shaman, to trace how societies have used myths to make sense of the world.
Details
Details
  • Ivan R. Dee
    Pages: 336 • Trim: 6½ x 9¾
    978-1-56663-485-4 • Hardback • November 2002 • $27.50 • (£19.99)
    Subjects: History / Ancient / General, History / Europe / General, History / World, Philosophy / General
Author
Author
  • Patrick Harpur's Daimonic Reality was critically acclaimed. He lives in Dorchester, England.
Reviews
Reviews
  • An intellectual treat and a thrill for one's fantasy, this book is aglow with power to re-enchant our world.
    — Brother David Steindl-Rast, OSB, co-founder of gratefulness.org


    Fascinating.... He thoughtfully presents traditions from around the world.
    — Library Journal


    Splendid...brilliant...accessible.... He writes clearly, passionately and intimately.
    — Fortean Times


    Harpur leads us through history's secret chambers with such grace of language and insight that we forget the hour.... Required reading.
    — Dianne Skafte


    This illuminating book flashes with the fire of its title.... Learned and engaging at once...a welcome contribution.
    — Patricia Monaghan


    Delightful...particularly useful as an introductory text.
    — Spring Journal


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