Thrice Greatest Hermes, Volume 1

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Gutenberg ID

—

Title

Thrice Greatest Hermes, Volume 1

Language

en

Book source

Global Grey

Description max 80 words

A scholarly introduction to the Hermetic tradition, offering translations, commentary, and historical analysis of the earliest Trismegistic texts. This volume explores the origins of Christian faith through the lens of ancient Egyptian wisdom, blending mythic, historic, and mystic considerations to illuminate the environment of infant Christianity.

Summary up to 500 words

In *Thrice Greatest Hermes, Volume 1*, George Robert Stowe Mead presents a comprehensive study of Trismegistic literature, distinguishing this ancient, secret tradition from later alchemical or magical works. Mead argues that these writings, once abundant and reserved for initiates, offer vital insights into the development of religious ideas in the Western world. The text examines fragmented remains preserved in the *Corpus Hermeticum*, the *Asclepius*, excerpts by Stobaeus, and fragments found in the Church Fathers and philosophers. Mead delves deeply into the cosmogony of the *Poemandres* and the myth of Osiris and Typhon, interpreting them as representations of cosmic order and disorder. He explores theological interpretations by figures like Plutarch and Philo of Alexandria, linking Egyptian mythology to broader philosophical concepts of Reason (*Logos*) and Matter. Through detailed commentary, Mead deciphers specific symbols within Egyptian mythology, such as the hawk, crocodile, and hippopotamus. He explains that the hawk represents power and rule associated with Osiris, while the crocodile and hippopotamus symbolize Typhon, the chaotic and destructive aspect of the soul. The work serves as both a technical treatise for specialists and an accessible guide for general readers interested in Archaic Gnosis and the mystical roots of Christianity. Mead intends these volumes to contribute to the preparation of a solution regarding the origins of the Christian Faith, allowing readers to understand the environment of infant Christianity. By studying this material, readers can trace a path back to the wisdom of Ancient Egypt, engaging with a tradition that Mead describes as an ark of refuge for pious and cultured souls. The book balances scholarly criticism with a spiritual atmosphere, aiming to make the profound theosophic treatises of Hermes Trismegistus understandable to those who wish to feel and think with the ancient writers.

LLM editorial rating

4.2/5

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Categories

• Religion
• Philosophy