Alchemy and Mysticism: The Hermetic Museum (Klotz) (Paperback)

~ (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

From the medieval cosmogram and images of Christian mysticism, this book explores the world of alchemy up to the art of the Romantic era.

Language Notes

Text: English (translation)
Original Language: German

Product Details

• Paperback: 712 pages
• Publisher: Taschen (May 1, 1997)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 382288653X
• ISBN-13: 978-3822886533
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.7 x 2.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #407,307 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Beautifully illustrated and presented work, October 1, 1999

By A Customer

I bought this book, not having much background in alchemy. I was suprised to find such a treasure and for such a cheap price. Although the book is in a smaller format, most of the pages are taken up with beautiful full color pictures. Each picture has a alchemic saying beside it, as well as an interpetation. For someone who has no understanding of the visual format of alchemy, this book is a must. There is also some background info in the front. The other pleasing thing about this book is the time Alexander Roob has taken in laying out his information. Each chapter is preceeded by an well thought out intro and quotes from alchemist. I thought that this was one of those rare books that presented as well as informed. Strongly recommended.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An exquisite concrescence of alchemical art, October 6, 1997

By A Customer

There are lots of books where you can find reproduction of the occult woodcut illustrations that are some of our best records of Renaissance alchemical culture, but this book is the new contender: very clean reproductions, a broad range of history up to the present day, and great depth. I was lucky to buy a copy of this a few years ago during a trip to Heidelberg, and couldn't wait until Taschen put out the English-language edition. Great paper stock, well-written captions, and many rarely-reproduced images along with the classics.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Our Mad Kingdom of Materia, September 6, 1997

By	[e-mail] (Oregon) - See all my reviews

And Lo, All things were made from the ONE... OMNIA AB UNO....This book is like a Peter Greenaway Movie made from the History of Alchemy. Every page is a gorgeous full color or true color representation of an original text or illustration. Taschen books are always colorful, but this one is profound... And try to find anything on the web about Hugo Hoeppner's Cubic Theosophical Temple.. ain't gonna happen... This book is nothing less than one of the finest paperback image and short quote encyclopedias on alchemy and mysticism produced in recent times. Do not miss it! It is fuel for your subconscious. This is the stuff that spawned Surrealism and is capable yet of producing revolutions... Alchemy is a vivification of being's materiality.. and matter's search for meaning in matter... and he followed the mercurial hare into the forrest.. mysterious old bones...