The Book of Rose and Cross

«The Book of Rose and Cross» represents a scientific-research and at the same time popular exposition of the history of the Rosicrucian tradition as the heir of ancient hermeticism. The book shows how hermeticism emerged from the philosophical schools of the Hellenistic era, dividing into different lines of development - gnostic and strictly hermetic. It traces how this tradition was preserved and reinterpreted in different cultural contexts: among ancient philosophers, in Arab thought, in Sufism, as well as in its interaction with Kabbalah. Special attention is given to Christianity, which arose largely on the same ground of hermetic doctrine. Its decline in the Middle Ages and new revival during the Renaissance is discussed, when the Rosicrucian manifestos marked the continuity of this line. The book traces how hermeticism transformed into Rosicrucianism and retained its influence up to modern times, remaining one of the most important esoteric traditions of Europe.