Greece Books

The book is exactly what the NY Times calls it--a combination of literary history/critique, and cultural history. It tries to provide a deep understanding of the poetry from the decade before World War 2. It dispells the notion that Greece only has offered the world Homer & Pericles. Seferis, for example, won the Nobel Prize in Literature.

The history of Greek mystical and magical thought is traced progressively from Archaic and Classical Greece, to the growth of the Mysteries, to the wider Hellenistic period, to Gnosticism, to Middle Platonism, to the Greek New Testament, to Neoplatonism, to the Renaissance, to 19th and 20th century occult societies (Golden Dawn, Theosophical Society, Rosicrucian, Fraternitas Saturni, Aurum Solis, etc.) An especially good case is made for cabalistic thought being as much, or more, Greek as Hebrew in nature.

Yet, in spite of the main purpose of showing Greek influence, the author doesn't hesitate to point out the roots of Orphism and Pythagorianism may very well have been influenced by Siberian Shamanism.

I have only two comments about the content. First, the author does an excellent job of condensing all that is know about the nature of the various mysteries. He also makes some perceptive speculations of his own. However, he misses what has long been obvious to me- namely, that at least at Eleusis, the Greater mysteries involved an induced near death experience in the subterranean chambers. Also, while a comprehensive appendix concerning Isopsephos (numerical values of Greek words and names), I couldn't help but notice that there is no interpretation of 999....

Hieromonk Alexander (Golitzin) provides an excellent history of Mount Athos, concentrating on more recent history.

By presenting translations of contemporary Athonite spirituality, he permits the reader to directly the spirituality directly rather than through a filter. Particularly striking to this reader was how similar in tone and 'feel' these texts are to those of the Desert Fathers of many centuries ago. Thus, it demonstrates how Christian Orthodoxy has maintained the faith that was once for all given to the saints.

Highly recommended!

The author's most notable achievement is that of the quality of the translation. Textual emendations and inferred passages are clearly provided, as are the alternate readings and meanings of the Greek text. However, the erudition of both author and book are clearly evident. Each speech is preceded by a detailed introduction outlining important events referred to within the text as well as political ties and historical events that often form the background to the case in question. This often-invaluable introduction is used to highlight effectively the subtleties of the cases but it can be undisputed to state that the true appeal of the book is in its majestic grasp of language. The obvious skill of the author lies in his ability to capture the true atmosphere of the speeches whilst at the same time providing a clear and lucid translation.

Whether you possess a general interest in the ancient world or are a student in Classics or Ancient History is irrelevant - academic works simply do not come any better than this! A must for all bookcases!