Iamblichus is thought to have been born in Syria in the middle of the third century and is regarded as one of the great Neoplatonist philosophers. He founded a school in which he taught “white magic” or “theurgy”. He sought to uncover the invisible side of nature and to give Man the means to effect the union of the divine spark with its parent-flame within him.

In this work divided into ten sections, he gives a complete canon of pagan religious thought and belief and explains their background. The Neoplatonist Porphyry’s Letter to Anebo, in which he criticises religious rituals and practices, and Iamblichus’ response to this criticism, and defence of these traditions, are included.

This philosophical treatise, written at the turn of the 4th century, explores ancient religious and philosophical traditions, focusing on the theological insights derived from the Egyptian, Chaldean, and Assyrian Mysteries. Iamblichus delves into the nature of the divine, theurgy, and the relationship between humanity and the gods, presenting complex arguments designed to defend ancient beliefs against modern critiques, emphasizing the connection between humanity and the divine, asserting that knowledge of the gods is innate and transcends ordinary understanding.

This translation from the Greek by Thomas Taylor (1758–1835) was first published in 1821.

Committed to quality and authenticity, all texts have been fully retyped and fully edited. No scans have been made to give the reader a complete antique experience.

6" x 9" (15.24 x 22.86 cm)
Unicursal, 308 pages