The Philosophers’ Secret Fire: A History of the Imagination

Description

In this dazzling history of the imagination, Patrick Harpur links together fields as far apart as Greek philosophy and depth psychology, Renaissance magic and tribal ritual, Romantic poetry and modern models of the Universe, to trace how myths have been used to make sense of the world. In so doing he uncovers that tradition which alchemists imagined as a Golden Chain of initiates, who passed their mysterious ‘secret fire’ down through the ages. As this inspiring book shows, the secret of this perennial wisdom is of an imaginative insight: a simple way of seeing that re-enchants our existence and restores us to our own true selves…”His flame-like knowledge is central to the urgent seriousness of this book; buy a copy before it vanishes.” THE LONDON MAGAZINE …”It would be hard to overestimate the value of Harpur’s book or to praise it too highly.” RESURGENCE MAGAZINE …”Once we believed that truth was ‘out there’, now we hold that it’s ‘in here’, but if Harpur is right then it lies in the line of vision between the two” THE INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY …”Mr. 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 over time have used myths to make sense of the world. Harpur leads us through history’s secret chambers with such grace of language and insight that we forget the hour. I would make Harpur’s book required reading for every student of philosophy, depth psychology, and history.” DIANNE SKAFTE