Religio Medici by Thomas Browne – Renaissance Occult Philosophy & Mysticism

Religio Medici, Thomas Browne, occult philosophy

Religio Medici by Sir Thomas Browne is one of the most distinctive works of seventeenth-century English literature, combining personal reflection, natural philosophy, theology and intellectual curiosity into a remarkable meditation on belief, reason and the nature of the self.

First published in 1643 amid the religious and political turmoil of the Three Kingdoms, Browne’s work moves freely between the personal and the universal. His reflections range across antiquity, the Liberal Arts, religion, philosophy and the mysteries of existence, continually returning to the individual experience of being human.

Religio Medici occupies a fascinating position within the history of occult philosophy and early modern thought. Browne demonstrates that rational enquiry and mystical contemplation need not be opposing forces, creating a work in which intellectual scepticism, spiritual imagination and an openness to the mysteries of the natural world coexist.

This edition has been transcribed, edited and introduced by Paul Summers Young, based upon the 1643 edition. Modern spelling and punctuation have been introduced to make Browne’s prose more accessible to contemporary readers while retaining the character and intellectual atmosphere of the original work.

As the first volume in Black Letter Press’s series of Browne’s writings, this edition will appeal to readers of Thomas Browne, occult philosophy, early modern literature and the intellectual history of seventeenth-century England. It is equally suited to collectors interested in beautifully produced editions of foundational works of Western esoteric and philosophical literature.

Premium Production Details

Author: Thomas Browne

Edited and Introduced by: Paul Summers Young

Publisher: Black Letter Press

Edition: Revised and Edited Edition, based on the 1643 edition

Binding: Hardcover

Cover Material: Blue Fedrigoni Imitlin

Size: 100 x 160 mm

Endpapers: Red, 120-gram paper

Paper: 115 g wood-free, age-resistant Arena Ivory Rough paper

Book Block: Sewn

Series: First volume in Black Letter Press’s series of Browne’s work