Short description
An engaging and illuminating discussion of Giordano Bruno's mystical understanding and use of Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, theology, and philosophy.
Long description
Giordano Bruno (1548-1600), a defrocked Dominican monk, was convicted of heresy by the Roman Catholic Inquisition and burned at the stake in Rome. He had spent fifteen years wandering throughout Europe on the run from Counter-Reformation intelligence and eight years in prison under interrogation. The author of more than sixty works on mathematics, science, ethics, philosophy, metaphysics, the art of memory and esoteric mysticism, Bruno had a profound impact on Western thought. Until now his involvement with Jewish mysticism has never been fully explored. Karen Silvia de Leon-Jones presents an engaging and illuminating discussion of his mystical understanding and use of Jewish and Christian Kabbalah, theology, and philosophy, including the famous Hermetica, and especially his exploration and use of magic to reveal the mysteries of the universe and the divine.
Review
"Sheds light on Bruno's own self-understanding as a mystical prophet to a new age." Choice "This book is fascinating in its grasp and interpretation of a difficult and multi-faceted philosophy that includes elements of the Platonic and Kabbalistic thought that Bruno encompassed in his eclectic and highly individualistic writings." The Philosopher "A fascinating Renaissance figure brought to life by de Leon-Jones... [in] a refreshing and informative exploration of Bruno's mystical speculations." Religious Studies Review "De Leon-Jones has enriched our understanding of the ways Jews and Christians interacted and the effects these interactions had in shaping the philosophical, religious, and scientific ideas of both communities." Shofar"