Jung on Alchemy (Paperback)

by C. G. Jung (Author), Nathan Schwartz-Salant (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description
The ancient practice of alchemy, which thrived in Europe until the seventeenth century, dealt with the phenomenon of transformation--not only of materials (ore into gold) but also of the human spirit (self into Other). Through their work in the material realm, alchemists discovered personal rebirth as well as a linking between outer and inner dimensions.

C. G. Jung first turned to alchemy for personal illumination in coping with trauma brought on by his break with Freud. Alchemical symbolism eventually suggested to Jung that there was a process in the unconscious, one that had a goal beyond discharging tension and hiding pain. In this book, Nathan Schwartz-Salant, a leading Jungian analyst with an interest in alchemy, brings together a key selection of Jung's writings on the subject. These writings expose us to Jung's fascinating reflections on the symbols of alchemy--such as the three-headed Mercurial dragon, hermaphrodites, and lions devouring the sun--and brings us closer to the spirit of his approach to the unconscious, closer than his purely scientific concepts often allow.

Language Notes
Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 228 pages
• Publisher: Princeton University Press (December 22, 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0691010978
• ISBN-13: 978-0691010977
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #450,223 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars Nicely organized set of excerpts, December 16, 2008

By	Chris Travers "Einhverfr" (Chelan, WA) - See all my reviews

Jung wrote extensively on non-rational human endeavors such as mythology and alchemy. This work is an attempt to bring together for the first time all of his thoughts on the subject from various works. The book is quite fascinating, and a great tribute to Jung.

Of additional outstanding value is the introduction by Schwartz-Salant detailing the problems studying alchemy as a serious system today, and the importance of Jung's work in understanding why important early scientists were so captivated by this field.

In general, I would recommend this work to anyone who is a fan of Jung, is studying the history of thought, or is interested in the history of science. However it assumes a base understanding of early philosophy and/or alchemy and so may not be the best introductory work to the subject.