The Hermetica are a body of mystical texts written in late antiquity, but believed during the Renaissance (when they became well known) to be much older. Their supposed author, a mythical figure named Hermes Trismegistus, was thought to be a contemporary of Moses. The Hermetic philosophy was regarded as an ancient theology, parallel to the revealed wisdom of the Bible, supporting Biblical revelation and culminating in the Platonic philosophical tradition. This new translation is the only English version based on reliable texts, and Professor Copenhaver's introduction and notes make this accessible and up-to-date edition an indispensable resource to scholars.

"...the only reliable English translation of the eighteen tractates of the Greek Corpus Hermeticum....Students of Gnosticism and Greco-Roman religion and philosophy will consult this book with great profit."

"Brian Copenhaver's very welcome translation of the Hermetica is able to draw on these important advances [of modern scholarship]....Copenhaver's industry is exemplary, digesting many years' research in many different areas and languages into a dense but comprehensive introduction which ties together dynastic, social and philosophical history, and adding a full and detailed commentary....Copenhaver's edition and commentary is fully abreast of the main lines of contemporary research, and can be confidently recommended to all scholars seeking precise guidance on these difficult works....[T]his is a remarkably useful edition sure to serve as a focal point and catalyst in our understanding of the Hermetic treatises."