Mysticism: The Elements of Mysticism

by R.A. Gilbert

Book Overview

Mysticism: The Elements of Mysticism This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1852302011
• Release Date: January 1991
• Publisher: Element Books Ltd
• Length: 132 Pages
• Weight: 0.35 lbs.
• Dimensions: 8.0" x 0.8" x 5.5"

Customer Reviews

Mysticism: The Elements of Mysticism by R.A. Gilbert

R.A. Gilbert has a masterful command of the subject and of the English language. He approaches his subject in a disciplined and open-minded way and backs up his own observations with extensive authorities, all of which are woven together in a highly readable and entertaining essay style. As far as I can tell, he includes most of the great mystics from every culture although the Western mystics are perhaps over-emphasized. His book left me hungry for more work by Mr. Gilbert, and I am presently searching the internet for a complete compilation of his writings.

Excellent introduction to mysticism

This book attempts to answer the following questions: What is mysticism, Why do people seek the mystical experience, How can its essence be communicated, What are the stages on the way to divine union, and Why is mysticism such a universal phenomenon? It deals with mysticism in the Non-Christian world and in the West, Non-religious mysticism, esoteric mysticism, the nature of the mystical experience and communicating it. I thoroughly enjoyed the author's discussions and was pleased to be introduced to the anonymous work "The Cloud Of Unknowing" and to the work of Lady Julian of Norwich, among others. I'm not sure whether I fully agree with his opinions on Aldous Huxley, Timothy Leary or his views on Magick and the Hermetic tradition though. This is however, a very good introduction to the subject, and a compelling read. Contains copious notes and references, a useful bibliography to reference works, the writings of the mystics, plus critical studies and histories of mysticism.