Focuses on the interaction between two movements of thought in 18th-century Germany: the philosophy of the Enlightenment and the complex of ideas known as Rosicrucianism. Dating from the early 17th century and drawing on Pietism, Freemasonry, Kabbalah and alchemy, the Rosicrucian movement enjoyed a revival in Germany during the 18th century. Historians have often depicted this neo-Rosicrucianism as a Counter-Enlightenment force. Here, McIntosh argues rather that it was part of a "third force", which allied itself sometimes with the Enlightenment, sometimes with the Counter-Enlightenment. This work is a study of the German Rosicrucian revival, in particular the order known as the Golden and Rose Cross (Gold- und Rosenkreuz). Drawing on hitherto unpublished material, it shows how the order exerted a significant influence on the cultural, political and religious life of its age.
Focuses on the interaction between two movements of thought in 18th-century Germany: the philosophy of the Enlightenment and the complex of ideas known as Rosicrucianism. Dating from the early 17th century and drawing on Pietism, Freemasonry, Kabbalah and alchemy, the Rosicrucian movement enjoyed a revival in Germany during the 18th century. Historians have often depicted this neo-Rosicrucianism as a Counter-Enlightenment force. Here, McIntosh argues rather that it was part of a "third force", which allied itself sometimes with the Enlightenment, sometimes with the Counter-Enlightenment. This work is a study of the German Rosicrucian revival, in particular the order known as the Golden and Rose Cross (Gold- und Rosenkreuz). Drawing on hitherto unpublished material, it shows how the order exerted a significant influence on the cultural, political and religious life of its age.
Christopher McIntosh studied Philosophy, Politics and Economics at Oxford University and German at London University. As a writer, he has specialized in the history of the western esoteric tradition. In addition to the present work, he has also written a more general study of Rosicrucianism, a book on astrology and a biography of Eliphas Lévi.
'...a solid work of scholarship.'
Joscelyn Godwin, Theosophical History, 1995.
'The Rose Cross and the Age of Reason is a stimulating and
pioneering work which should encourage others to follow in its
author's footsteps. It deserves a place in every masonic library of
repute.'
Robert Gilbert, Ars Quatuor Coronatorum, 1993.
'Christopher McIntosh signe là sans doute l'ouvrage le plus
précieux pour saisir la genèse et l'influence du mouvement
rosicrucien, et pour comprendre ce qui fait la grandeur et le
particularisme de la Rose+Croix...Nous souhaitons que cet ouvrage
indispensable soit rapidement édité en français.'
Robert Eisenman et Michael Wise, l'Esprit des Choses, 1995.
'Apart from being a valuable contribution to theoretical reflection
on the nature and origins of the Enlightenment, this study is
useful because the second and third chapters offer a clear and
concise general introduction to the 17th- and 18th-century history
of Rosicrucianism.'
W.J. Hanegraaff, Nederlands Theologisch Tijdschrift,
'By investigating the German and East European Rosicrucians
McIntosh has contributed an important study that will add to our
understanding of a movement whose members would not accept the
world of the philosophes. McIntosh has surely acoomplished his
goal...this book is essential for those interested in
eighteenth-century intellectual history.'
Allen G. Debus, Archives Internationales d'Histoire des Sciences,
1995.
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