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Episode 176·October 11, 2023·christian-fathers

Plato Latinus

Things really were getting dicey in the late fourth century in the western Roman empire; the Germanic bands had crossed the Rhine en masse, they kept on crossing, and, although the Romans tried various expedients from annihilation in open battle to co-option and hiring them as mercenaries, these ...

Listen on SHWEP84 sources in collection · 83 translated

Primary Sources

Republic, Laws, and Timaeus

Plato · -375 · Greek · 706 pages

In this profound synthesis of 'Republic,' 'Laws,' and 'Timaeus,' Plato bridges the gap between the earthly and the divine. He argues that virtue is not merely a behavior, but a liberation of the soul achieved through alignment with the celestial sphere and the internalizing of 'common conceptions.'

69% translated

Twenty-four Dialogues of Plato

Plato · 895 · Greek · 869 pages
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Vat.gr.1

Plato · 900 · Greek · 404 pages

In this provocative text, Plato subverts the traditional Western emphasis on human agency by defining man as a 'divine plaything,' suggesting that our greatest dignity lies in our role as puppets of the gods. Rather than finding meaning in the grim struggle of war or history, the author argues for a

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Pal.gr.173

Plato · 950 · Greek · 358 pages

Pal.gr.173 functions as a practical manual for the soul. It moves beyond abstract theory to confront the actual stakes of living well in an unjust world. You will encounter a Socratic method that values clear thinking over popularity and moral integrity over political safety. The text forces a confr

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On Paradoxical Machines

Anthemius of Tralles · 950 · Greek · 432 pages

In 'On Paradoxical Machines,' Anthemius of Tralles offers a rare synthesis of high Euclidean theory and the practical grit of Byzantine engineering. As one of the master architects of Constantinople, Anthemius argues that the most profound challenges of the physical world—from the construction of bu

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Urb.gr.31

Plato · 1000 · Greek · 326 pages

Plato presents a brutal inquiry into the nature of justice and the health of the human soul. He argues that justice is not a social compromise but a requirement for inner harmony. You will discover why political leadership requires a rare, philosophical rigor that society almost always rejects. The

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Plato . Platon . Platonis Dialogi

Plato · 1150 · Greek · 508 pages

This collection captures the urgent, living spirit of Socratic inquiry at its most potent. Plato argues that we must abandon the distractions of the physical realm to grasp eternal truths. He warns that writing creates a dangerous illusion of wisdom by substituting memorized facts for internal under

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Origen, Homiliae in Psalmos (29 homilies, discovered 2012)

Origen · 1150 · Greek · 756 pages

These homilies represent a rare direct encounter with Origen's preaching voice. He treats the Psalms not as ancient poetry, but as a map for internal warfare and divine union. The text challenges the reader to categorize their own thoughts and desires as either fleeting shadows or eternal seeds. Ori

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The Enneads

Plotinus · 1200 · Greek · 693 pages
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The Enneads

Plotinus · 1200 · Greek · 331 pages

The Enneads is a towering achievement of late antiquity that reshaped the trajectory of Western and Near-Eastern thought, influencing everything from Christian theology to Islamic mysticism. Plotinus presents a bold metaphysical hierarchy—the One, the Intellect, and the Soul—arguing that true happin

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Diversorum scriptorum Opera varia . Diaphoron syngrapheon Erga diaphora . Titulum corrige Platonis Opera omnia cum prolegomenis

Plato · 1350 · Greek · 1098 pages

Plato’s work functions as a complete framework for human conduct and cosmic understanding. He moves beyond simple dialogue to categorize the structure of reality, linking music, numbers, and political virtue to the divine. Each page challenges the reader to distinguish between fleeting sensory opini

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Plotinus . Plotinos . Scilicet Plotini Enneades VI et Maximi Tyrii Dissertationes XI

Plotinus; Maximus of Tyre · 1350 · Greek · 412 pages

Plotinus strips away the distractions of the physical world to reveal the singular, transcendent source of all being. The text documents the final philosophical ascent of a man who viewed his own body as a temporary, secondary image. You will encounter arguments that collapse the boundaries between

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Byzantine Theological Miscellany

· 1350 · Greek · 392 pages

The works of Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite represent one of the most daring syntheses in history, fusing Neoplatonic philosophy with Christian revelation to define the 'progenitor of apophatic theology.' This collection navigates the profound distinction between God’s unknowable essence and His pa

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Cologny, Fondation Martin Bodmer, Cod. Bodmer 136

Plato · 1400 · Greek · 359 pages

In this legendary account of Socrates’ final day, Plato (narrated through Phaedo) investigates the profound relationship between the soul, the divine, and the morality of existence. The text presents a startlingly calm Socrates who argues that humans are the 'possessions of the gods,' framing life a

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The Hermetic Corpus

Hermes Trismegistus · 1450 · Latin · 319 pages

Ott.lat.2074 is a breathtaking intellectual odyssey that bridges the gap between ancient Hermetic mystery and the rigorous structuralism of the Middle Ages. The text presents a world where the 'First Cause' is pursued through every available lens: the precision of Aristotelian categories, the negati

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Plato De legibus . Platonos Nomoi . Ac praeterea alii eiusdem [Platonis] Dialogi tum gnesioi, tum nothoi, Definitiones, et epistolae

Plato · 1450 · Greek · 712 pages

This work represents the peak of Plato's political thought, moving beyond abstract theories of justice to the mechanics of statecraft. He argues that laws are empty without the internal habits of virtue that only education can provide. Plato forces the reader to confront the reality that excess and

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The Enneads

Plotinus · 1455 · Greek · 267 pages

The Enneads is a monumental achievement in Western philosophy, serving as the bridge between classical Hellenic thought and the burgeoning spiritual traditions of Late Antiquity. Plotinus offers a unique perspective on reality, viewing the physical world as a mere 'image of an image' while positing

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Plotinus, Enneads I-VI; Porphyry, Vita Plotini

Plotinus; Porphyry · 1464 · Greek · 602 pages

This collection, organized by Porphyry, serves as a direct guide for anyone seeking to understand the soul's origin and ultimate return to the One. Plotinus treats philosophy not as an academic exercise, but as a practical path toward enlightenment. He argues that the physical world is merely a shad

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The Pimander of Hermes Trismegistus

Hermes Trismegistus; Ficino, Marsilio (translator) · 1481 · Latin · 96 pages

Marsilio Ficino’s translation of the Pimander introduces the concept of Prisca Theologia, the original theology that predates the classical world. The work argues that human beings possess a dual nature: we are physically mortal but spiritually divine. Through dialogues between Hermes and the divine

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Contra Celsum (1481 editio princeps)

Origen · 1481 · Latin · 538 pages

This editio princeps reveals more than a theological argument. It captures the tension between Humanist scholarship and the existential dread caused by the Ottoman advance into Italy. Origen argues that Christianity survives not through the ornate rhetoric of philosophers, but through the lived powe

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The Divine Pymander

Hermes Trismegistus (trans. Marsilio Ficino) · 1493 · Latin · 68 pages

The Divine Pymander is a foundational pillar of Hermeticism, offering a visionary exploration of how humanity can transcend the shackles of Fate through Gnosis. Translated by the legendary Marsilio Ficino for the Medici court, this text presents the 'Prisca Theologia'—a primordial wisdom that prefig

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Celestial Hierarchy / Divine Names (Ficino)

Pseudo-Dionysius (trans. Marsilio Ficino) · 1501 · Latin · 142 pages

This text represents a landmark synthesis of Neoplatonic thought and Christian theology, arguing that God is not a 'being' to be understood, but a 'Good' to be experienced through the Way of Negation. Marsilio Ficino resurrects the cryptic oracles of Pseudo-Dionysius to champion a 'learned ignorance

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Plato, Cratylus and Secular Florilegium

Plato · 1501 · Greek · 131 pages

This work presents an unflinching look at the architecture of a well-lived life. It asserts that true virtue is not an action but a deliberate choice to align the soul with divine reason. By dismantling the common obsession with physical gratification, the text demands that we prioritize the health

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On the Dream of Scipio; The Saturnalia

Macrobius · 1501 · Latin · 332 pages

Macrobius delivers a unique time capsule from the fifth century. He frames his work as a series of lively, high-stakes banquets where Roman intellectuals dissect everything from the calendar to the mechanics of the human stomach. The book argues that all gods ultimately point to the sun and that gre

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Complete Hermetica (1505 Paris Edition)

Hermes Trismegistus; Ficino, Marsilio (translator); Lefèvre d'Étaples (editor) · 1505 · Latin · 184 pages

The Complete Hermetica (1505 Paris Edition) is a profound synthesis of Western esotericism, offering a transformative vision of humanity’s place in the cosmos. Through the legendary dialogues of Hermes Trismegistus, the text argues that ignorance is the ultimate plague of the soul, while true knowle

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The Collected Works of Macrobius

Macrobius, Ambrosius Theodosius · 1513 · Latin · 307 pages

Macrobius offers a breathtaking Neoplatonic synthesis that transforms the study of literature, science, and ethics into a spiritual pilgrimage. By providing a technical commentary on Cicero’s 'Dream of Scipio' and a sweeping encyclopedic dialogue in the 'Saturnalia,' he argues that the universe is g

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The Collected Works of Pseudo-Dionysius

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite · 1516 · Latin · 412 pages

This corpus challenges the reader to abandon standard definitions of God in favor of a profound, mystical unknowing. It argues that all visible existence is a symbolic reflection of a transcendent, singular source. The author insists that true spiritual authority is rooted in self-mastery and mercy

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The Complete Works of Plato Translated by Marsilio Ficino

Plato; Ficino, Marsilio (translator) · 1518 · Latin · 796 pages

This collection serves as a portal to the mind of Plato as seen through the eyes of one of the 15th century's most influential thinkers. Ficino treats philosophy not as a sterile academic exercise but as a medicine for the soul. He constructs an argument for the harmony between pagan wisdom and Chri

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The Divine Pymander, Asclepius, and On the Mysteries

Hermes Trismegistus | Jamblichus | Proclus · 1532 · Latin · 237 pages

This monumental synthesis of Hermetic and Neoplatonic thought offers a radical roadmap for the soul’s ascent from the sensory 'multitude' to the intellectual 'One.' By weaving together the revelations of Hermes Trismegistus with the rigorous defenses of Iamblichus and the metaphysical depth of Procl

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Pymander. Asclepius. On the Mysteries of the Egyptians. On Plato's Alcibiades, on the Soul and the Daemon. On Sacrifice.

Hermes Trismegistus|Jamblichus|Proclus · 1532 · Latin · 336 pages

This seminal volume brings together the core texts of the Hermetic and Neoplatonic traditions, asserting a unified lineage of 'ancient theology' (Prisca Theologia) that flows from Hermes Trismegistus to Plato. Readers will encounter bold claims about the human condition: that we are 'twofold' beings

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Commentary on Platos Timaeus

Chalcidius · 1532 · Latin · 150 pages

Chalcidius’ Commentary on Plato’s Timaeus is a landmark of intellectual history, serving as the primary bridge between ancient Greek philosophy and the Latin West. This text presents a universe built not by chance, but by a 'Demiurge' using the tools of geometry, musical harmony, and arithmetic prop

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On the Marriage of Philology and Mercury

Martianus Capella · 1532 · Latin · 241 pages

The Marriage of Philology and Mercury is a daring blend of myth and classroom instruction. Capella argues that eloquence without wisdom is dangerous, while wisdom without eloquence remains ineffective. He personifies the liberal arts as divine beings, effectively turning a dry curriculum into a cosm

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Commentary on the Dream of Scipio and the Saturnalia

Macrobius · 1550 · Latin · 648 pages

Macrobius’s writings represent the ultimate synthesis of Late Antique wisdom, bridging the gap between the classical past and the medieval future. In his 'Commentary on the Dream of Scipio,' he offers a radical Neoplatonic vision of the soul's descent from the stars, arguing that our physical life i

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Corpus Hermeticum and Plotinus' Enneads (Cambridge, Trinity College, MS B.9.9)

Hermes Trismegistus; Plotinus · 1550 · Greek · 502 pages

This rare collection documents the struggle of the human soul to recognize its divine origin while trapped in the sensible world. It presents the Hermetic tradition as an intuitive, performative realization of truth, contrasted against the systematic, dialectical path of Plotinus. The text argues th

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Poimandres

Hermes Trismegistus · 1554 · Greek · 254 pages

This collection functions as a foundational guide for those seeking to understand the nature of God, the soul, and the cosmos. Hermes Trismegistus argues that the physical world is a veil, and that ignorance of one's own divinity is the ultimate human disaster. The text demands that you reject world

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The Complete Works of Plato

Plato (Ficino translation) · 1557 · Latin · 718 pages

This monumental edition of Plato’s *Opera Omnia* is more than a translation; it is a sacred bridge between Greek antiquity and Renaissance humanism, curated by Marsilio Ficino to harmonize philosophy with divine religion. Within these pages, readers will find the 'divine' Plato—a thinker who argues

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Orphic and Homeric Hymns

Orpheus; Homer; Callimachus · 1560 · Greek · 69 pages

This remarkable collection offers an intimate look at the intersection of ancient Greek theology, ritual practice, and poetic tradition. By weaving together the Orphic perspective on cosmogony with the Homeric celebration of divine exploits, the text presents a world where every natural force—from t

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Poimandres

Hermes Trismegistus · 1574 · Greek-Latin · 168 pages

Poimandres is a foundational pillar of Western esotericism that posits humanity as a 'divine animal' caught between the material and the eternal. Purported to be the work of the legendary Hermes Trismegistus—a syncretic fusion of the Greek Hermes and Egyptian Thoth—this tractate offers a radical cos

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Enneads (1580 Greek-Latin, Ficino trans.)

Plotinus | Ficino, Marsilio (trans.) · 1580 · Latin · 850 pages
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The Enneads

Plotinus | Ficino, Marsilio (trans.) · 1580 · Greek · 860 pages

The Enneads represents the pinnacle of Neoplatonic thought, a monumental synthesis where logic meets mysticism. Through the lens of Marsilio Ficino’s Renaissance commentary, Plotinus’s work is presented as a 'philosophical bait' designed to lead the intellectual mind toward religious faith through p

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The Enneads

Plotinus · 1580 · Latin · 996 pages
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The Shepherd of Men

Hermes Trismegistus · 1585 · Latin · 532 pages

Readers will find an argument that the world is a sentient, organized entity governed by divine justice. The author, Hannibal Rosseli, attempts to reconcile classical philosophy with the teachings of the Church. He posits that justice is the defining trait of humanity and that the soul's return to G

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The Complete Works of the Divine Plato

Plato; trans. Marsilio Ficino · 1590 · Latin · 916 pages

This 1590 edition of Plato’s 'Complete Works' serves as a spiritual and intellectual map of the human condition, viewed through the transformative Neoplatonic lens of Marsilio Ficino. Synthesizing classical dialectic with religious piety, the text argues that the ultimate end of man is to achieve a

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The Marriage of Philology and Mercury

Martianus Capella; Hugo Grotius (ed.) · 1599 · Latin · 464 pages

Martianus Capella’s 'The Marriage of Philology and Mercury' is far more than a textbook; it is an allegorical masterpiece that defined the medieval curriculum. In this 1599 edition, Hugo Grotius frames the seven liberal arts as the indispensable tools for effective governance, arguing that political

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Biblical Palimpsest with Inquisition Abjuration Documents

· 1610 · Greek · 197 pages

The Hermetic Corpus stands as one of the most provocative syncretic works in history, blending the legendary insights of Hermes Trismegistus with the foundational theology of early Christianity. It makes the bold claim that spiritual liberation is a process of 'gnosis'—a transformation of the mind t

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The Complete Works of Saint Dionysius the Areopagite

Pseudo-Dionysius the Areopagite · 1634 · Latin · 321 pages

This corpus challenges the limits of human cognition by proposing that we reach God not through logic, but through the deliberate stripping away of all concepts. The author constructs a vision of the universe as a series of sacred ranks, where every creature exists to receive and pass on divine illu

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Divine Pymander. Asclepius

Hermes Trismegistus · 1657 · English · 418 pages

The 'Divine Pymander' and 'Asclepius' represent a breathtaking synthesis of Greek philosophy and Egyptian mysticism, offering a roadmap for spiritual regeneration. Attributed to the thrice-greatest messenger of knowledge, Hermes Trismegistus, the text presents a bold vision of a universe ordered by

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Against Celsus

Origen · 1658 · Latin · 701 pages

This 1658 edition presents the definitive intellectual struggle between early Christian thought and pagan philosophy. Origen systematically dismantles the arguments of Celsus by shifting the debate from mere rhetoric to the moral transformation of the human soul. He argues that the life and death of

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Origen Philocalia (Greek)

Origen / Gulielmus Spencerus (ed.) · 1677 · Greek · 699 pages

In this definitive collection edited by William Spencer, readers encounter the first great synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian theology. Origen does not merely rebut charges of magic and sedition; he builds a comprehensive metaphysical framework that justifies 'simple faith' as a moral medic

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Plato Euthyphro, Apology, Crito, Phaedo, Phaedrus

Plato · 1683 · Greek · 618 pages

Plato documents the final days of his teacher, Socrates, as he confronts a city that wants him dead. The text moves from the courtroom to the prison cell, eventually shifting into deep metaphysical inquiry. It argues that philosophy is nothing less than the practice of dying. By rejecting passive wr

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The Mystical Initiations; or, Hymns of Orpheus

Thomas Taylor · 1787 · Greek · 258 pages

This volume is an act of defiance against the modern reduction of religion to mere history or folklore. Taylor argues that the Greek theological tradition is a coherent, scientific approach to reality that utilizes polytheism to express the hierarchy of a single, unified source. By translating these

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Complete Plato (Thomas Taylor trans.)

Plato | Taylor, Thomas (trans.) · 1804 · English · 2850 pages

Thomas Taylor’s 'Complete Plato' is a monumental achievement that offers more than a mere translation; it provides the 'key' to the Platonic system through the profound insights of ancient Neoplatonic commentators. Taylor argues that philosophy is a divine discipline designed to lead the soul away f

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Orphica (Argonautica, Hymni, Lithica)

Gottfried Hermann (ed.) · 1805 · Greek/Latin · 1049 pages

This volume is not just a poem; it is an argument about how we reconstruct the past. Hermann and Gesner treat the Argonautica and the Lithica as damaged artifacts, using rigorous philology to peel away the layers of corruption added by centuries of scribes. They engage with the Orphic texts to uncov

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Orphica

Orpheus (ed. Gottfried Hermann) · 1805 · Greek · 1030 pages

Gottfried Hermann does not offer a polished myth but a raw, confrontational look at how we inherit the ancient past. He forces the reader to confront the reality that many famous works were misattributed, patched together, or distorted by centuries of scribal error. The text exposes the vanity of th

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Pseudo-Dionysius Areopagita Schriften (German 1823)

Pseudo-Dionysius · 1823 · German · 396 pages

This volume is a profound gateway into the heart of speculative mysticism, blending the rigors of Neoplatonic philosophy with the fervor of early Christian theology. Readers will encounter a bold re-envisioning of the cosmos where evil is dismissed as a mere 'sham substance' and God is approached no

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Plotini Opera Omnia cum Ficini commentariis

Plotinus; Marsilio Ficino (trans.) · 1835 · Latin · 544 pages

Plotini Opera Omnia represents the pinnacle of Neoplatonic thought, blending the original 3rd-century mystical insights of Plotinus with the intellectual fire of the Renaissance philosopher Marsilio Ficino. This text serves as a rigorous bridge between the classical logic of Plato and the burgeoning

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The Works of Apuleius

Apuleius · 1842 · Latin · 558 pages

Apuleius remains one of the most enigmatic voices of the Roman Empire, serving as a vital bridge between Platonic philosophy and the ancient mystery cults. This collection brings together his most influential works, showcasing his unique perspective as a 'half-and-half Numidian' intellectual who nav

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Complete Works XVIII: Against Celsus I-IV (Lommatzsch)

Origen · 1846 · Greek · 373 pages

In 'Contra Celsum I-IV,' Origen provides a groundbreaking response to the first major intellectual assault on Christianity. Rather than relying solely on tradition, Origen deconstructs Greek mythology as morally bankrupt while elevating the historical and ethical superiority of the Mosaic law and th

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Complete Works XIX: Against Celsus V-VIII (Lommatzsch)

Origen · 1847 · Greek · 418 pages

This work captures a master of Greek logic turning his focus toward his fiercest opponent. Origen refuses to retreat into silence; he dissects every charge Celsus brings against the Christian faith. He tackles the paradox of the incarnation, the validity of biblical allegory, and the nature of human

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Works of Plato

Plato · 1858 · English · 585 pages

Plato’s 'The Laws' represents a monumental shift in the philosopher's journey, moving from the idealism of his youth toward a rigorous, practical exploration of legislation and social order. Translated by George Burges in 1880, this edition provides a meticulous 'literal version' that preserves the

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The Works of Martianus Capella

Martianus Capella; ed. Francis Eyssenhardt · 1866 · Latin · 572 pages

This critical edition brings the strange, allegorical world of Martianus Capella into focus. Eyssenhardt treats the text as a product of compilation, tracing its roots back to lost works by Varro and other ancient thinkers. Readers will see how the liberal arts were personified as divine entities an

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Works (Opera)

Macrobius; ed. Franz Eyssenhardt · 1868 · Latin · 694 pages

This text operates as an intellectual banquet where Roman scholars debate the meaning of their own traditions. Macrobius argues that all classical deities act as mere masks for the singular power of the Sun. He rejects blind superstition in favor of natural philosophy, aiming to harmonize myth with

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John Colet Two Treatises on the Hierarchies of Dionysius

John Colet · 1869 · English · 340 pages

This text revives the work of an often-overlooked Renaissance humanist who bridged ancient Greek philosophy and Christian theology. Colet contends that human spiritual development follows a path from purgation to illumination and finally to perfection. He claims that current church practices have dr

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Orphica (Abel Edition, with Proclus Hymns & Hymn to Isis)

Orpheus (ed. Eugen Abel) · 1885 · Greek · 340 pages

Eugen Abel reconstructs the Orphic tradition by stripping away centuries of editorial clutter. He aligns fragmented myths and hymns into a logical sequence, transforming obscure lore into a cohesive theological system. The text argues that music, ritual, and language possess the power to move mounta

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Timaeus (Greek text with commentary)

Plato (ed. R.D. Archer-Hind) · 1888 · Greek · 380 pages

R.D. Archer-Hind’s edition of the Timaeus offers a radical reinterpretation of Plato’s later philosophy, arguing that this dialogue represents the culmination of Platonic metaphysics where the dualism of mind and matter is finally resolved. By identifying Being with a Universal Mind, the text presen

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Timaeus

Plato · 1888 · English · 380 pages

This text argues that the physical world is not an independent reality but a symbolic refraction of a universal soul. It solves the ancient deadlock between Herakleitos, who saw only constant change, and Parmenides, who saw only immutable stillness. By reconciling these opposites through the concept

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Pseudo-Dionysius Celestial and Ecclesiastical Hierarchy

Pseudo-Dionysius / John Parker · 1894 · English · 113 pages

In this profound synthesis of Greek philosophy and Christian mysticism, Pseudo-Dionysius—vigorously defended by translator John Parker as the genuine first-century convert of St. Paul—presents a revolutionary vision of the divine order. By exploring the nine choirs of angels and the sacred rituals o

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The Republic

Plato · 1894 · Greek · 520 pages

Most people act justly only because they fear the consequences of getting caught. Plato guts this assumption by creating a theoretical city where justice is defined not by laws, but by the internal harmony of the individual soul. He argues that political stability requires rulers who hate power and

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Origenes: Contra Celsum (Greek Critical Edition)

Origen / Paul Koetschau (ed.) · 1899 · Greek · 901 pages
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Works of Plato (Republic, Timaeus, Critias)

Plato · 1902 · Greek · 562 pages

Plato, the architect of Western philosophy, invites readers into a series of intellectual battles that remain startlingly modern. In these pages, he dismantles the cynical view that 'might makes right' and proposes a revolutionary vision of an ideal state where gender is no barrier to leadership and

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Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden

F. Ll. Griffith & Herbert Thompson · 1904 · Demotic · 228 pages

The Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden represents a landmark in Egyptology, serving as the latest known manuscript written in the Demotic script. Editors Griffith and Thompson argue that while its contents of magic and medicine are inherently fascinating, the text’s true value lies in its

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Demotic Magical Papyrus of London and Leiden, Vol. 3

F. Ll. Griffith & Herbert Thompson · 1904 · Demotic · 172 pages

This third volume of Griffith and Thompson’s seminal work serves as the ultimate philological grimoire, providing the essential linguistic framework for interpreting one of history’s most significant magical texts. It doesn't just translate; it decodes the 'Voces Magicae'—magical words of power—and

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Plato: Laches, Protagoras, Meno, Euthydemus

Plato · 1906 · Greek · 710 pages

Plato’s dialogues remain the standard for critical thinking because they force the reader to defend their own assumptions. This collection captures Socrates at his most agile, moving from the definition of courage to the nature of knowledge itself. You will see him challenge the Sophists, whose reli

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Works (Laws, Definitions)

Plato · 1907 · Greek · 618 pages
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The Symposium of Plato

Plato (ed. R. G. Bury) · 1909 · English · 262 pages

This edition by R. G. Bury frames the Symposium as a battle between ornamental rhetoric and the raw, questioning logic of Socrates. The dialogue challenges the idea that love is merely a divine gift or a physical urge. Instead, it presents love as a mediator, a hunger for what we lack, and a tool fo

83% translated

The Enneads of Plotinus Vol. I

Plotinus / Stephen McKenna · 1917 · English · 178 pages

The Enneads of Plotinus, translated with poetic intensity by Stephen McKenna, stands as the foundation of Neoplatonism and a bridge between classical Greek logic and Western mysticism. Plotinus offers a bold metaphysical hierarchy—The One, the Intellectual-Principle, and the Soul—arguing that our tr

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Apuleius: Apology and Florida

Apuleius / Butler (trans.) · 1919 · Latin · 122 pages

Apuleius: Apology and Florida offers a rare, firsthand glimpse into the legal and social tensions of the second-century Roman Empire. Facing a capital charge of sorcery, Apuleius argues that his scientific interest in anatomy and natural history is a mark of philosophical devotion rather than crimin

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Orphic Fragments

Otto Kern (ed.) · 1922 · Greek · 434 pages

Otto Kern reconstructs the fragmented legacy of Orpheus to reveal the evolution of Greek religious thought. The text examines the historical validity of Orpheus while documenting his influence on figures like Pythagoras and Plato. It presents a radical theology where the creator Phanes is swallowed

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The Hermetic Writings, Volume I: Texts and Translation

Walter Scott (ed.) · 1924 · Greek · 556 pages

This volume is a monumental reconstruction of the Hermetic tradition, presenting a world where philosophy is not merely an academic exercise but a literal means of deification. Scott challenges the notion that these texts are mere 'occult rubbish,' instead revealing them as the profound response of

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Plato: Statesman and Philebus

Plato · 1925 · Greek · 482 pages

Plato does not merely lecture; he forces his readers to think alongside his characters. In these texts, he argues that the best kind of power is not found in static codes but in the flexible, living intelligence of the expert. He dismantles the idea that pleasure or intellect alone can anchor a huma

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Plato: Laws, Vol. 2 (Books 7-12)

Plato · 1926 · Greek · 678 pages

Plato’s 'Laws' represents the philosopher's most mature and practical reflection on governance, shifting from the idealism of 'The Republic' to a concrete legal framework. This second volume, encompassing Books 7 through 12, serves as a masterclass in jurisprudence, exploring the foundational pillar

89% translated

Greek Magical Papyri (Papyri Graecae Magicae)

Karl Preisendanz (ed.) · 1928 · Greek · 234 pages

Karl Preisendanz’s monumental edition of the Greek Magical Papyri offers an unfiltered gaze into the 'working library' of the ancient magician. Far from mere superstition, these texts present a sophisticated theurgy where practitioners employ 'voces magicae,' animal sacrifice, and solar liturgies to

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Papyri Graecae Magicae (Complete)

Karl Preisendanz (ed.) · 1928 · Greek · 220 pages

The 'Papyri Graecae Magicae' offers an unparalleled window into the 'lived religion' of late antiquity, presenting a gritty, practical manual of sorcery far removed from abstract philosophy. This collection assembles a dizzying array of rituals—ranging from the high theurgy of self-deification to th

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The Eighth Book of Moses

Various · 2005 · Greek

The Eighth Book of Moses is a masterpiece of Greco-Egyptian syncretism, blending Hebrew tradition with Hermetic ritual to present a unique vision of divine creation and human empowerment. At its heart lies a startling cosmogony: a deity whose laughter creates light, water, and the soul itself. The t

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