Reading Lists - Getting Up To Speed

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Description

Sometimes we want to learn a subject and always the hardest part is just getting the basics.

I had a recent experience here because I posted something that ended up showing that I was not even basically competent on the subject.  Rather than to feel guilty or upset over it I decided that perhaps a better way of handling it (as well as a number of other blind spots)  was to poll other members who have expertise in areas to give some idea of what books or other media is essential to getting a basic understanding.

One of the assumptions this site is built on is that of everyone being a genius at something.  We all have areas where we excel and can share knowledge.

If you feel that you have a good grasp on a subject and would like to share the writings that are needed for someone to have a basic understanding on the topic, please post your thoughts.


Please use the following format:

Topic (At the top. It describes the subject)

Name of book (site, magazine article, etc.)

Author

Brief description of why item is important.

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References and Introductions - college level text books on Theosophy and Western Esotericism

by John

May 28, 2013

Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke (2008), The Western Esoteric Traditions, Oxford University Press

Good College-Level intro. Course book.

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    Moderator

    John

    SUNY (State University of New York) series in Western Esoteric Traditions:

    Antoine Faivre (2010), Western Esotericism, A Concise History, SUNY

    Antoine Faivre (2000), Theosophy, Imagination, Tradition, SUNY



    NOTE: One reason we may mention Faivre, probably too much, is that his work was foundational in the field. He is a primary source.


    "The heuristic  value of Faivre's definition is undeniable. ... It is clear, however, that largely thanks to the Faivre paradigm in the 1990's. Western esotericism is now increasingly recognized as an area of research that deserves serious academic attention, and the implications of which are likely to transform our perception of Western religious history as a whole."

    Wouter J. Hanegraaff, Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism, Brill Press.

    2

    May 28, 2013

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      Moderator

      John

      Wouter J. Hanegraaff editor (2006) , Dictionary of Gnosis and Western Esotericism, Brill Press.

      Excellent reference book (about 1200+ pages). It seems closer to an encyclopedia than a dictionary

      Below - Authors list, including articles contributed

      May 28, 2013