Hermeticism.
Introduction to Hermeticism.
The Hermetica is a big, difficult subject, so it’s a good idea to start slowly and at the ground floor. These three books try to do just that. Freke and Gandy present a summary of Hermetic philosophy, so you can get some ideas about what Hermeticism is about. Lachman gives a quick and easy history of Hermes Trismegistus. Finally, the Emerald Tablet is the most popular classic Hermetic text and it’s always worth reading.
The Hermetica. The Lost Wisdom of the Pharaohs by Timothy Freke, Peter Gandy
The Quest for Hermes Trismegistus. From Ancient Egypt to the Modern World by Gary Lachman
Intermediate Books on Hermeticism.
"Hermetica" by CopenhaverOnce you’ve been introduced to the concepts of Hermetic philosophy and the mythology behind Hermes Trismegistus, I think it’s time to really dig into his words. The Corpus Hermeticum is the collection of different tracts and writings, mostly attributed to Hermes Trismegistus, his son Tat, or his student Asclepius. There are a few really excellent modern translations available.
The Way of Hermes translated by Clement Salaman and others
Asclepius. The Perfect Discourse of Hermes Trismegistus translated by Clement Salaman
Hermetica. The Greek Corpus Hermeticum and the Latin Asclepius translated by Brian Copenhaver
The Corpus Hermeticum and Hermetic Tradition
The Hermetic philosophers and mystics operating in Alexandria and other parts of North Africa were contemporary with Christian Gnostics. As a result, they not only shared a lot of ideas, but some Hermetic texts ended up in surprising places. Gnosticism therefore deserves special mention, so you might be interested in these books.
The Gnostic Gospels by Elaine Pagels
The Origin of Satan. How Christians Demonized Jews, Pagans, and Heretics by Elaine Pagels
The Nag Hammadi Library. Gnostic gospels and texts
Renaissance Hermeticism.
During the Renaissance, Hermetic philosophy made a huge comeback. This reinterpretation of ancient writings has a strong influence on how Hermeticism is viewed today, but we’re not quite done figuring it out. Check out these books for more info on this era.
Giordano Bruno and the Hermetic Tradition by Francis Yates
Eros and Magic in the Renaissance by Ioan P. Couliano
It should probably be pointed out that the influence of Hermeticism on the Renaissance isn’t as cut and dry scholars like Frances Yates have argued. There’s a lot more nuance to what has been going on, so it helps to get some other view points. Here’s one.
Frances Yates and the Hermetic Tradition by Marjorie G. Jones
Advanced Books on Hermeticism.
Research on Hermeticism is ongoing. We’ve discovered links to Graeco-Egyptian magic, to Neoplatonism, to alchemy, and much more! An ongoing study of Hermetic material might never end. Here are some great books when you’re ready to really dive into the (papyrus) weeds!
The Egyptian Hermes. A Historical Approach to the Late Pagan Mind by Garth Fowden
Theurgy and the Soul. The Neoplatonism of Iamblichus by Gregory Shaw
Eternal Hermes. From Greek God to Alchemical Magus by Antoine Faivre
The Hermetic Link. From Secret Tradition to Modern Thought by Jacob Slavenburg
The Greek Magical Papyri in Translation by Hans Dieter Betz
Techniques of Graeco-Egyptian Magic by Stephen Skinner
Writings of Various Writers of Hermeticism