Music, Mysticism and Magic: A Sourcebook Paperback – November 1, 1988

Excellent introduction for the layman and anyone else with only cursory exposure to the authors included (Kepler, Paracelsus, etc.) - food for the seeker.

'Music, Mysticism and Magic' by Joscelyn Godwin is an absolutely amazing first of its kind sourcebook that belongs in a honored spot in the bookcase of every serious musicologist, mystic, magician and theologian. This scholarly and invaluable work contains the testimonies of many of the greatest composers, philosophers and spiritual leaders of all-time. Much of this material has been translated into English for the first time and is available nowhere else. A truly staggering and epic work!This rare hardcover edition published in '86 by Routledge & Kegan Paul didn't receive wide distribution in the U.S., so it was hard to locate a copy even when it was in print. Now OOP, it's almost impossible to find. Good luck!My Highest Recommendation!!

Godwin spent a lifetime exploring Pythagorean and Neo-Platonists ideas. This "Sourcebook" of thinkers through the ages on the "Musical" order of the universe and its miraculous power over us and all life is a solid reference. I wish some of the translations were more up to date and readable, but overall, Godwin edited a worthwhile compilation.Thanks to the merchandiser for accurately describing the condition of this paperback....it's actually in better shape than I thought it would be!

This is a wonderful compendium of philosophical thinking about music from the pre-Socratic philosophers to the late 19th century. Godwin provides very illuminating forwards to each entry. So far so good. But the source material that is included is terribly truncated, usually giving a page or two to the presenting the source. So it's a great way to sample some of this rich thinking. Unfortunately, the sources are usually a page, maybe two. You will not get any serious background from any of these selections. Therefore, avoid if you're looking for more compete treatments.