Gender in mystical and occult thought
Subtitle: Behmenism and its development in England
By: B.J. Gibbons.
Series: Cambridge studies in early modern British history
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: 1996
Place of publication: New York
Language: eng
Number of pages: 247
Subjects: Böhme, Jakob, 1575-1624 -- Influence; Sex -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- History of doctrines; Sex role -- Religious aspects -- Christianity -- History of doctrines; Occultism -- England -- History; Mysticism -- England -- History; England -- Church history -- 17th century; England -- Church history -- 18th century
Description: This is the first comprehensive account of the development of the ideas on gender of Jacob Boehme (1575-1624) among his English followers, tracing the changes in gender and sexuality in such esoteric traditions as alchemy, hermeticism and the Cabala.

The book argues that Behmenist thought in these areas is a neglected aspect of the revision in the moral status of women during the early modern period, contributing significantly to the rise of the Romantic notion of womanhood and 'Victorian' sexual ideology. It deals with English Behmenism from its reception during the Interregnum through to its impact upon William Blake and the Swedenborgians in the eighteenth century.

The book also challenges strongly received opinions on the relationship of Behmenism to the English radical tradition.
Notes: Includes bibliographical references (p. 209-242) and index.