Product Description

This Dictionary documents alchemical symbolism from the early centuries AD to the late-twentieth century, for use by historians of literary culture, philosophy, science and the visual arts, and readers interested in alchemy and hermeticism. Emphasising literary and intellectual references in the Western tradition written in or translated into English, the Dictionary focuses most closely on works current in the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries when alchemy captivated the minds of figures such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Isaac Newton. Each entry includes a definition of the symbol, giving the literal (physical) and figurative (spiritual) meanings, an example of the symbol used in alchemical writing, and a quotation from a literary source. Drawing from the holdings of the Ferguson Collection at the University of Glasgow, the Dictionary offers a representative selection of fifty visual images (graphic woodcuts, copperplate engravings, hand-painted emblems), some of which have not been reproduced since they first appeared.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #32307 in Books
• Published on: 2001-02-08
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 272 pages

Review
‘Lyndy Abraham’s erudite but highly readable dictionary … would be of great interest, even excitement, to historians, literary sleuths or artists, or to any general reader, who welcomes an insight into humankind’s pursuit of power over nature or into its wrestling with metaphysical issues.’ Veronica Sen, Canberra Times

‘… a valuable and much needed research tool … I highly recommend this text for anyone, from the beginning scholar to the experienced scholar, working on the relationship between alchemy, culture, and literature.’ Eugene R. Cunnar, Cauda Pavonis

‘With its lavish illustrations and intertextual references, this volume certainly fills a niche.’ Donald R. Dickson, Endeavour

‘Beautifully produced and a credit to both Cambridge University Press and to its indefatigable author.” Australian Book Review

Customer Reviews

Excellent reference book
For anyone studying the history of 16th and 17th century science this excellent reference book should be a must. It pulls together a huge variety of sources, providing clear and concise definitions of alchemical symbols. A comprehensive bibliography provides many suggestions for detailed further reading.