The Hymns of Hermes [Paperback]

G. R. S. Mead (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2006

These writings are attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, an ancient Egyptian sage, the founder of all arts and sciences, both mundane and spiritual. Rather than being an actual person, Hermes is the Egyptian personification of the "Gnostic Revealer." Hymns of Hermes examines Hermetic ecstatic hymns, which are songs of a poetic nature used to describe the Gnosis of Hermetic attainment—the ecstatic personal experience of the divine. The invaluable commentary from author G.R.S. Mead makes the hymns themselves comprehensible and relevant to modern seekers, removing the veil of the occult to reveal the secrets behind these verses. He also draws parallels between Gnostic and Hermetic thought, which were strikingly similar. For anyone interested in Gnostic thought and the formation of early Christian doctrine, it is hard to ignore the parallels in Hermetic teachings from the same era. In his introduction, Stephan A. Hoeller describes the role and influence of Hermetic thought on the early Church and Gnostics, its position in the history of Western thought, and its renaissance in Gnostic and Hermetic studies today. This little volume, which might well be called initiatory, is an excellent introduction to the Hermetic Gnosis.

Editorial Reviews

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: Greek --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About the Author

G.R.S. Mead (1863–1933) is still widely acknowledged as the preeminent translator of the language and the intent of ancient writers of Hermetic works. Other ancient hermetic tracts he has translated include Thrice Greatest Hermes and Pistis Sophia. In spite of professional slights suffered because of his involvement with Theosophy, Carl Jung made it a point to meet with Mead on a visit to London due to Jung’s own interests in Hermetic thought and Mead’s stature in the field.

Stephan A. Hoeller, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religion at the College of Oriental Studies in Los Angeles. An author and scholar of Gnosticism and Jungian psychology, he is also a bishop of Ecclesia Gnostica, a member of the lecturing faculty of the Philosophical Research Society, and Director of Studies for the Gnostic Society. His books include The Royal Road, Freedom: Alchemy for a Voluntary Society, and Jung and the Lost Gospels.

Product Details

• Paperback: 83 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (February 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1578633591
• ISBN-13: 978-1578633593
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 5.1 x 0.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,630,540 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A compilation of writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, February 8, 2006

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Hymns of Hermes (Paperback)

Hymns Of Hermes: Ecstatic Songs Of Gnosis is a compilation of writings attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, an ancient Egyptian sage and known in metaphysical studies as the "Gnostic Revealer". Translated by G.R.S. Mead (1863-1933), this collection is an initiatory introduction to Hermetic Gnosis and a testament to Mead's mastery of the language and intent of ancient writers of Hermetic works. This edition of a true metaphysical classic is enhanced with an informed and informative introduction by Stephan A. Hoeller (Professor Emeritus of Comparative Religion at the College of Oriental Studies in Los Angeles, California). Hymns Of Hermes is a seminal and very highly recommended core addition to personal reading lists or academic library reference collection in Metaphysical Studies or Gnostic Studies.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Book comes highly recommended by Stephen A. Hoeller..., August 24, 2006

By 

Dale E. Bernelle (Monroe, LA USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The Hymns of Hermes (Paperback)

This book comes highly recommended by Stephen A. Hoeller (and this means A LOT!). If you are intested in this line of thought, try some of Dr. Stephen A. Hoeller's teachings/lectures and other works.

0 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

1.0 out of 5 stars Flimsy, July 28, 2010

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Mh Cliver "abookeworme" (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Hymns of Hermes (Paperback)

Sorry this was not very good - I like GRS Mead on the whole and also like S Hoeller but this book is a complete waste of time.