The Dark Side of the Enlightenment

In The Dark Side of the Enlightenment, John V. Fleming explores the paradoxical relationship between the rational advancements of the European Enlightenment and the enduring allure of spiritual and occult pursuits. He delves into the survival of miraculous beliefs, the influence of Rosicrucianism and Freemasonry, and the historical significance of alchemy as a precursor to modern chemistry. Through the intriguing biographies of figures like Count Cagliostro and Julie de Krüdener, Fleming reveals the complexities and contradictions of this era, highlighting its lesser-known yet fascinating mental landscapes and characters.