Review: <i>Occult Roots of Religious Studies: On the Influence of Non-Hegemonic Currents on Academia around 1900</i>, edited by Yves Mühlematter and Helmut Zander

The title of this book promises the exposure occult currents within founding fabric academic field religious studies—a commitment that is kept overall. Within volume’s introduction, Yves Mühlematter and Helmut Zander argue esotericism a “cross-cutting, interdisciplinary topic” (2) may be investigated numerous fields, rather than separate itself. Furthermore, editors state “global history, postcolonial studies, or translational studies in will not bear fruit without cooperation” (2). While noting directly after asserting seem contradictory, importance overarching point here overshadows possible confusion. In other words, book’s advocacy for to expansive scholarship both clearly stated perhaps its greatest strength. fact, defense interdisciplinarity reminiscent New Approaches Study Esotericism (Brill 2020), an erudite inclusive collection edited by Egil Asprem Occult Roots contributor Julian Strube, who call global intersectional approach study esotericism.The first chapter provides account discursive utilizations word esoteric, ultimately arguing against singular, absolute definition. As author asserts, universalizing esoteric can have (and has had) negative perennialist consequences. solution he thus presents “open concept” understanding esotericism, which would require scholars identify their working definition at “beginning each essay monograph” (37). I couldn’t agree more with Zander’s argument here, found it curious none authors volume presented own esotericism.Nonetheless, second chapter, Marco Frenschkowski demonstrates ways foundation emergence scientific religions interacted scholarly interest magic, taboo, occultism. also discusses tensions between Theosophical Society Psychical Research, reflecting following sentiment editors: “the occultism was amorphous ideas individuals, but included multitude associations, societies, movements” (5).The then shifts focus specific attitudes connections. Daniel Cyranka uses Christian Gottfried Nees von Esenbeck, president Leopoldina Academy Natural Sciences, as case early delineations boundaries placed around religions, what describes transition from “science religion science religion” (84). Boaz Huss’ highlights further discussing scholar Jewish mysticism Gershom Scholem’s disparaging Kabbalah tandem his modern (Western) esotericism. critique rooted primarily national perspective, studied outside and/or framework deemed inauthentic.Julian Strube’s on John Woodroffe, generally credited Tantra, influence Woodroffe’s works groups. Strube illuminates interactions discourses movements; examines several fascinating yet lesser-known scholars, such Baradā Kānta Majumdār. Aiming “disabuse minds Tantra-haters misconception about very instructive interesting branch Hindu literature” (138), Majumdār forged connections Tantra Western using discourse Tantra—for instance, likening “Tantriks” Freemasons Rosicrucians.Jens Schlieter American Theosophist Walter Yeeling Evans-Wentz religion.” Stating “western were…one fertile grounds nourished comparative (162), chose apt Evans-Wentz, who, like Woodruffe, looked beyond West engaged collaboration indigenous peoples materials. From initial work fairies Celtic eventual in, translation of, Tibetan Book Dead (1927), scholar–practitioner represents wide scope entanglements expressed religions. Further examining Eastern philosophies influenced occultists academics West, Léo Bernard’s French Indologist Paul Masson-Oursel’s dissatisfaction Indology time, “indigenous perspectives,” desire “gain deeper traditions” (206).The final chapter—Sabine Böhme’s discussion archaeologist Andrae’s organization structuring Mesopotamian finds Museum Ancient Near East (now Pergamonmuseum, Berlin)—applies larger examine overlooked intersections associations. interesting, does convince me necessarily fits overall theme roots studies. Additionally, chapters vaguely mention conference inspired discussed, no identification presented. An introductory note been welcome inclusion.Overall, individuals indeed showcase study’s roots. make clear stance chapters. It refreshing witness increased publication advocate expansion research