"Law opens this tantalizing study with some keen readings of this abstrusely self-deprecating author...Law's work is sure to attract controversial attention. More so perhaps, it will inspire renewed efforts to play out the puzzles in this fantastical wit. Highly recommended for those who are serious esotericists." Critical Notice

• Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The outer layers: parody and word-play; 2. The wisdom tradition; 3. Avarice and the four keys to wisdom; 4. The multifarious nature of wisdom; 5. Heretical knowledge? The constitution of man; 6. The Epistolae: Virgilius' Retractatio?; 7. Concealment of mysteries: the techniques of secrecy; 8. Virgilius and the seventh century; 9. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Works cited; Index.

"Law opens this tantalizing study with some keen readings of this abstrusely self-deprecating author...Law's work is sure to attract controversial attention. More so perhaps, it will inspire renewed efforts to play out the puzzles in this fantastical wit. Highly recommended for those who are serious esotericists." Critical Notice

• Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The outer layers: parody and word-play; 2. The wisdom tradition; 3. Avarice and the four keys to wisdom; 4. The multifarious nature of wisdom; 5. Heretical knowledge? The constitution of man; 6. The Epistolae: Virgilius' Retractatio?; 7. Concealment of mysteries: the techniques of secrecy; 8. Virgilius and the seventh century; 9. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Works cited; Index.

"Law opens this tantalizing study with some keen readings of this abstrusely self-deprecating author...Law's work is sure to attract controversial attention. More so perhaps, it will inspire renewed efforts to play out the puzzles in this fantastical wit. Highly recommended for those who are serious esotericists." Critical Notice

• Preface; Abbreviations; Introduction; 1. The outer layers: parody and word-play; 2. The wisdom tradition; 3. Avarice and the four keys to wisdom; 4. The multifarious nature of wisdom; 5. Heretical knowledge? The constitution of man; 6. The Epistolae: Virgilius' Retractatio?; 7. Concealment of mysteries: the techniques of secrecy; 8. Virgilius and the seventh century; 9. Conclusion; Appendices; Notes; Works cited; Index.