Joseph H. Peterson – författare

Discovered in a hidden compartment of an old chest long after his death, the secret writings of John Dee, one of the leading scientists and occultists of Elizabethan England, record in minute detail his research into the occult. Dee concealed his treatises on the nature of humankind's contact with angelic realms and languages throughout his life, and they were nearly lost forever. In his brief biography of John Dee, Joseph Peterson calls him a "true Renaissance man"? detailing his work in astronomy, mathematics, navigation, the arts, astrology, and the occult sciences. He was even thought to be the model for Shakespeare's Prospero. All this was preparation for Dee's main achievement: five books, revealed and transcribed between March 1582 and May 1583, bringing to light mysteries and truths that scholars and adepts have been struggling to understand and use ever since. These books detail his system for communicating with the angels, and reveal that the angels were interested in and involved with the exploration and colonization of the New World, and in heralding in a new age or new world order. While Dee's influence was certainly felt in his lifetime, his popularity has grown tremendously since. His system was used and adapted by the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, and subsequently by Aleister Crowley. This new edition of John Dee's Five Books of Mystery is by far the most accessible and complete published to date. Peterson has translated Latin terms and added copious footnotes, putting the instructions and references into context for the modern reader.

In many ways, ARBATEL is unique among texts on magic. Unlike the vast majority of writings, it is clear, concise and elegantly written. The practical instructions are straightforward and undemanding. When it first appeared in 1575, it attracted the attention of people with a surprisingly broad range of agendas, including some of the finest minds of the time. Often quoted and reprinted, both praised and condemned, its impact on western esoteric philosophy has been called "overwhelming." ARBATEL's magic is full of wonder and free from the sinister elements usually associated with texts on the subject. But it is about more than magic; filled with gnomic wisdom, it urges us to help our neighbours, be positive and grateful and use time wisely. Above all, it teaches us to pay attention, looking for the wondrous and miraculous. In fact, to the author, this virtually defines the magus. This translation, the first English version published since 1655, illuminates many obscure points in the text. Peterson's introduction concisely documents the provenance of the text, explains the magical techniques employed and its influence on esoteric literature, including the grimoires and the Theosophical movement. The book, also, utilises important new research by Carlos Gilly, Antoine Favre, and others.·Included are illustrations, bibliography, index and original Latin text.·First English translation published since in 1655.

Since it first appeared over 500 years ago, the ELUCIDATION OF NECROMANCY (Lucidariumartis Nigromanticê) and the closely related Heptameron have become essential guidesfor individuals seeking to call on angels and other supernatural beings for help. Countless amulets and pendants have been made with its designs, and elements have repeatedly been adapted and incorporated into other manuals of ritual magic. In spite of this, neither a critical edition nor a translation has been previously published. In particular three manuscripts of Lucidarium have come to light recently, which provide a clearer and fuller ritual than the printed Heptameron. For example, they add critical instructions for making the seven angel sigils, which have become so widely known. Together they bring to life this important current of esoteric tradition, showing how it has been repeatedly adapted and used by different individuals for centuries.·This is a complete system of magic, including how to communicate with and seek help from holy angels and other supernatural beings.·One of the most influential texts on medieval, Renaissance, and modern magic, Lucidarium is translated here for the first time, along with a new translation of Heptameron-the first since the seventeenth century.·Extensively illustrated, including the earliest-known versions of the angel sigils.·Includes the complete Latin text, carefully checked against known manuscripts, and related texts in Latin, French, Italian, German, and English.·Largely ignored by historians until recently, this text is an important witness to the transmission of Jewish mysticism to Christians.·Introduction and extensive commentary by renowned scholar Joseph H. Peterson.

Compiled from original manuscripts and fragments in the British Museum Library, Joseph Peterson's new presentation is the most complete and accurate edition of this famous magical grimoire, "The Lesser Key of Solomon the King." He goes to great length to establish the provenance of each part, and possible derivative works, including critical analyses of all major variations, utilizing fresh translations of earlier magical texts such as Johann Trithemius's Steganographia, The Archidoxes of Magic by Paracelsus, and newly discovered Hebrew manuscripts of the original Key of Solomon. Abundantly illustrated, Peterson includes reproductions of the original magical circles, tools, and seals of the spirits with variations of certain drawings from various sources and notae missing from earlier editions. Source list. Appendicies. Index.