This expanded new edition of Western Esotericism: A Guide for the Perplexed (2013) brings
foundational text up to date providing readers with the knowledge and tools that will enable
them to explore further. Wouter J. Hanegraaff surveys key topics for which "esotericism" has
become the preferred label: gnosticism and hermetism in antiquity the so-called "occult
sciences" (astrology alchemy magic) Renaissance hermeticism Rosicrucianism Christian
theosophy occultism spiritualism and related currents up to and including the New Age. The
scholarship and coverage in this edition has expanded to cover not just the primarily "pagan"
and Christian but also the Jewish and Islamic dimensions as well as the global dissemination
of esotericism. New sections in the book include Jewish Esotericism Islamic Esotericism
global perspectives and politics as well as a new final chapter on The Future of Esotericism.
The book has been updated throughout to reflect current scholarship and increased accessibility
for non-specialists.
