Iamblichus: De mysteriis
Series: - SBL - Writings from the Greco-Roman World, Volume: 4
This volume presents the first modern English translation of Iamblichus’ De mysteriisalongside the standard critical edition of the text by Édouard Des Places (Les Belles Lettres, 1966). Iamblichus provides a unique insight into the mystical side of late Neoplatonism, arguing that the only good is union with the gods and that the only route to this divine union is theurgy—religious ritual demonstrating supernatural power. The process of sacrifice, the activities of angels and demons, the meaning of divine possession, and the functioning of oracles are all examined in this extraordinary defense of theurgic mysticism against contemporary critics such as Porphyry. Clarke, Dillon, and Hershbell bring this famous and fascinating text to light through their introduction and extensive notes.
Paperback edition is available from the Society of Biblical Literature (www.sbl-site.org)
Paperback edition is available from the Society of Biblical Literature (www.sbl-site.org)
Emma C. Clarke teaches at The Latymer School in North London, England.
John M. Dillon is Regius Professor of Greek at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Jackson P. Hershbell is Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Minnesota.
John M. Dillon is Regius Professor of Greek at Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland.
Jackson P. Hershbell is Emeritus Professor of Classics, University of Minnesota.
'…superb editions.'
John Bussanich, Ancient Philosophy, 2005.
'Observing the quality of this book, and the length and difficulty of the text that was in need of translation, one cannot but help think of the burden this job must have been.
Many thanks to the editors for their persistence in seeing it through.'
Douglas Geyer, Review of Biblical Literature, 2005.
'...this new English language edition of De mysteriis ought to find a ready place on the shelves of anyone interested in early Christianity or the religious culture of late antiquity in general.'
Timothy Pettipiece, Review of Biblical Literature, 2005.
John Bussanich, Ancient Philosophy, 2005.
'Observing the quality of this book, and the length and difficulty of the text that was in need of translation, one cannot but help think of the burden this job must have been.
Many thanks to the editors for their persistence in seeing it through.'
Douglas Geyer, Review of Biblical Literature, 2005.
'...this new English language edition of De mysteriis ought to find a ready place on the shelves of anyone interested in early Christianity or the religious culture of late antiquity in general.'
Timothy Pettipiece, Review of Biblical Literature, 2005.
Preface and Acknowledgments
Abbreviations
Introduction
On the Text and Translation of the De mysteriis
Iamblichus the Man
The De mysteriis: A Defence of Theurgy, and an Answer to Porphyry's Letter to Anebo
Iamblichus's Knowledge of Egyptian Religion and Mythology
The Nature and Contents of De mysteriis
Iamblichus, De mysteriis: Text and Translation
Title
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Book V
Book VI
Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book X
Select Bibliography
Index of Names and Terms
Abbreviations
Introduction
On the Text and Translation of the De mysteriis
Iamblichus the Man
The De mysteriis: A Defence of Theurgy, and an Answer to Porphyry's Letter to Anebo
Iamblichus's Knowledge of Egyptian Religion and Mythology
The Nature and Contents of De mysteriis
Iamblichus, De mysteriis: Text and Translation
Title
Book I
Book II
Book III
Book IV
Book V
Book VI
Book VII
Book VIII
Book IX
Book X
Select Bibliography
Index of Names and Terms