Philosophy Between the Lines

Discover the forgotten art of philosophical esotericism with this engaging and comprehensive guide. Author Arthur M. Melzer explores the practice of communicating unorthodox thoughts "between the lines" in Western thought, from ancient philosophers like Plato to modern thinkers like Machiavelli. By studying the history and theoretical basis of esotericism, Melzer explains the importance of understanding this practice in fully comprehending philosophical, theological, political, and literary writings prior to the nineteenth century. This book provides a beginner's guide to reading esoteric works and emphasizes the importance of not dismissing this valuable practice.