Three Books of Occult Philosophy

“Eric Purdue’s fine new translation of H. C. Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy is a landmark edition of this essential work. Unquestionably the most comprehensive work of the European esoteric sciences, this timely new publication of this encyclopedic masterwork is accompanied by illustrations restored from the original as well as the translator’s erudite notes, sources, and references. Agrippa’s works are fundamental to the study of all branches and aspects of the tradition, and no esoteric book collection should be without this outstanding edition.” * Nigel Pennick, founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the Library of the European Tradit *
“Anyone interested in the roots and branches of modern magic has repeatedly heard of the works of Agrippa. Here in these beautiful volumes we have not only an aesthetically pleasing edition, but one that has paid close attention to the technical and linguistic details as never before. They will make for better historians and practical practitioners for those who wish to undertake experiments in the bold art of magic.” * Stephen E. Flowers, author of The Fraternitas Saturni *
“Inner Traditions has done justice to this text. It is published in a three volume slipcase edition, which, though expensive, is handsomely executed. I believe that anyone with a deep interest in the Western occult tradition will want to own it.” * Richard Smoley, Quest *

HEINRICH CORNELIUS AGRIPPA von Nettesheim (1486-1535) was a German polymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, theologian, and occult writer. Entering the University of Cologne at the age of 13, he graduated with a Master of Arts at 16 and went on to study with abbot Johannes Trithemius, famous as the teacher of Paracelsus. Acclaimed for his lectures on Reuchlin and the Corpus Hermeticum at universities across Europe, Agrippa acted as archivist for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Defying accusations of heresy and scrutiny by the Inquisition of Cologne, he published the final version of Three Books of Occult Philosophy two years before his death. Agrippa is considered one of the most influential occultists of the early modern period.

ERIC PURDUE has studied metaphysics and the occult and has practiced magic and astrology for more than thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. Through his lectures and writings on traditional astrology and talismanic magic, he has been a notable voice on the subjects of medieval astrology, traditional magical systems, and the legacy of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. His new translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy was more than 10 years in the making.

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