Abulafia: The Kabbalist's Quest - Paperback

by Nanette Graves (Translator), Neil Johnson (Translator), Georges Lahy (Author)

The story takes place in the 13th century in Spain, Italy, the Holy Land, Anatolia and Greece. The novel follows the life of the contemplative Kabbalist Abraham Abulafia, from his birth in Zaragoza in 1240 to his death in Patras in 1292. This atypical Kabbalist is a major source of prophetic and ecstatic Kabbalah. Although he was criticized by his peers and persecuted, his influence on the development of Kabbalistic thought is considerable. A great traveler, he was also a witness of his times. He obviously rubbed shoulders with the medieval masters of Kabbalah of his generation, but also with hermetists, alchemists, Master builders of the cathedrals, pilgrims, Templars, Sufis and Christian mystics. He was condemned to the stake by one pope and was protected by another.
The reader accompanies Abulafia's thoughts and perceptions as he discovers Kabbalah and is gradually initiated into its mysteries. He crosses the medieval cities of the Mediterranean and visits the esoteric circles of the great Kabbalists. Page after page, he sails on Templar ships, visits distant lands and experiences adventures punctuated by reflections, words of wisdom and meditation.
The story is based on Abraham Abulafia's own accounts. Most of the characters really existed and the historical events are authentic. Only the dialogues are imagined or assumed. A unusual and enjoyable way to discover Kabbalah.