Of Ghostes and Spirites, Walking by Night (eBook)

Ludwig Lavater (Autor)

eBook Download: EPUB

2022
205 Seiten
DigiCat (Verlag)
859-654720605-7 (EAN)

Infos

Ludwig Lavater's 'Of Ghostes and Spirites, Walking by Night' is a seminal work exploring the intersection of superstition, folklore, and early modern thought. Written in the late 16th century, this treatise delves into the beliefs surrounding apparitions and nocturnal spirits, articulating a blend of rational inquiry and vivid narrative style. Lavater employs a distinctive vernacular, reflecting the cultural anxieties of his time while engaging with the burgeoning scientific perspectives emerging during the Renaissance. His meticulous case studies and personal anecdotes provide a rich tapestry of belief, offering insights into the human psyche's relationship with the supernatural. A Swiss theologian and scholar, Lavater was deeply immersed in the spiritual and intellectual currents of his era, which included Reformation ideas and a fascination with magic and the occult. His background in medicine and theology allowed him a unique vantage point from which to investigate the phenomena of ghostly encounters. His work mirrors the tensions of the period, bridging the gap between credulous superstition and the evolving pursuit of empirical knowledge. Recommended for both scholars and general readers alike, 'Of Ghostes and Spirites, Walking by Night' stands as an essential text for those seeking to understand the historical context of supernatural beliefs. Lavater's thorough examination not only captivates but invites critical reflection on how these spectral narratives continue to shape contemporary understanding of the mysterious realms beyond our sight.

Autor

Ludwig Lavater (1527–1586) was a Swiss clergyman and author, prominent for his work in the field of demonology and spirits. Lavater served as the archdeacon at the Church of St. Peter in Zurich and wrote extensively on theological and philosophical matters, adhering to the principles of the Swiss Reformation initiated by Ulrich Zwingli, whose work he continued alongside Heinrich Bullinger. Among his literary works, 'Of Ghostes and Spirites, Walking by Night' stands out as a significant contribution to early modern literature on the supernatural. This treatise, first published in Latin as 'De spectris, lemures, portentis et prodigiis et de quae illis credendum sit' (1570), was later translated into English in 1572 by R. H. Lavater's 'Of Ghostes and Spirites' delves into the nature and classification of spectral entities and reflects the period's preoccupation with witchcraft and the occult. His scholarly approach combined theological perspectives with empirical observations, echoing the Renaissance humanist impulse to scrutinize and interpret the supernatural world through the prism of religious belief and rational inquiry. Lavater's writings exhibit a style marked by a blend of earnest piety and intellectual curiosity, contributing to the era's discourse concerning the intersection of the natural and preternatural. His work not only offers insight into the 16th-century mindset but also provides a valuable reference for historians and literary scholars interested in the evolution of spectral lore and its cultural implications.

Produkt-Details

• Erscheint lt. Verlag: 4.9.2022
• Übersetzer: Robert Harrison
• Verlagsort: Prague
• Sprache: englisch
• Themenwelt: Literatur ► Krimi / Thriller / Horror ► Horror
• Themenwelt: Sachbuch/Ratgeber ► Gesundheit / Leben / Psychologie ► Esoterik / Spiritualität
• Schlagworte: 16th century • 16th century paranormal tales • Apparitions • classic haunting narratives • classic horror • Dark atmospheric writing • death omens • early modern ghost literature • Early works to 1800 • eerie ghost encounters • Foreboding Signs • ghost stories classic • haunting narrative style • Historical Ghost Stories • historical spectres literature • Kingdom Upheavals • Lavater's theological insights • Ludwig Lavater writings • mysterious noises • mystical night journeys • nightly phantoms lore • occult and apparitions • occult literature • paranormal occurrences • Psychology • Renaissance supernatural themes • scholarly religious exploration • spirits and apparitions • spiritual encounters fiction • supernatural entities • supernatural folklore • Swiss author • unknown mystical experiences