An "extremely rewarding" exploration of how these two great human endeavors can not only coexist but enrich each other ( Times Literary Supplement).The conflict between science and religion seems indelible, even eternal. Surely two such divergent views of the universe have always been in fierce opposition? Actually, that's not the case, says Peter Harrison: Our very concepts of science and religion are relatively recent, emerging only in the past three hund...

This book explores the intricate tapestry of thought that characterized the Renaissance, a period that marked the rebirth of classical philosophy and the flourishing of theological, mystical, and esoteric traditions. Blending the study of ancient Greek and Roman sources with contemporary Christian thought, Renaissance intellectuals sought to harmonize reason, faith, and mystical insight.At the heart of this work is an examination of the major philosophical movements of the Renaissa...

This book explores the rich historical, scientific, sociological, and psychological context of detective fiction from the late 19th to the early 20th century, examining how the genre evolved alongside the rapid societal changes of the time. Emerging in an era marked by urbanization, technological advances, and shifting social norms, detective fiction became a lens through which readers could confront the mysteries of their modern world. Through iconic characters like Sherlock Holmes, Hercu...

In his famous argument against miracles, David Hume gets to the heart of the modern problem of supernatural belief. 'We are apt', says Hume, 'to imagine ourselves transported into some new world; where the whole form of nature is disjointed, and every element performs its operation in a different manner, from what it does at present.' This encapsulates, observes Peter Harrison, the disjuncture between contemporary Western culture and medieval societies. In the Middle Ages, people saw the h...

The Middle Ages, often depicted as a time of knights, castles, and religious fervor, was also a period rich in storytelling. Legends and myths from this era were not merely products of imagination but served as a means for people to interpret their world, cope with hardship, and transmit cultural values. These stories provided a moral framework, explained natural phenomena, and linked the human experience with the divine. The blend of Christian beliefs with pagan traditions, classical heri...

In 1967, Werner Heisenberg--Nobel Prize-winning physicist and pioneer of quantum mechanics--received an unexpected letter from a young Italian Jesuit named Enrico Cantore. The letter, beginning simply with "Dear Professor Heisenberg," marked the start of a decade-long exchange focused on bringing to life a shared vision: scientific humanism. Drawing on newly uncovered materials from the Max Planck Institute Archives in Berlin, this book reveals a rarely seen side of Heisenberg--his role as...

This book provides a comprehensive exploration of utopianism, tracing its evolution from the Renaissance through the 20th century. It examines the roots of utopian thought in classical and religious traditions, delves into the flourishing of utopian literature during the Renaissance, and considers the impact of the Enlightenment and Industrial Revolution on modern utopian visions.

This book explores the history, concepts, and enduring influence of Gnosticism, tracing its evolution from ancient origins to its manifestations in contemporary culture. Gnosticism, characterized by its emphasis on hidden knowledge (gnosis), cosmic dualism, and the soul's quest for liberation, has shaped spiritual, philosophical, and cultural landscapes for millennia. Beginning with its roots in Jewish apocalypticism, Hellenistic philosophy, and early Christianity, the book examin...

"Self Reflection" tells the story of Al, the half-human son of Dracula, as he goes on a search for his reflection, and instead discovers different aspects of identity beyond the superficial.

Samuel and Kieran O'Hara are brothers; the pair intelligent and strong-willed. Twins, although you would never know it. Samuel is tall and rangy with sharp, alert features. Kieran suffers from achondroplasia and has a typical dwarfs` features: he is short and dumpy with a jowly countenance and wispy, receding fair hair.More out of luck than good judgment, Samuel inherits a smallholding in Wickford, Essex, close to the notorious Dale Farm, once the home of a gypsy stronghold. Within ...

25-year-old Fae finds herself spending Christmas alone, contemplating her struggles with depression and bipolar disorder and how these battles have prised her family apart. She decided to seize her own demons and uprooted her life to Ljianstipol, a place where she spent a lot of her teenage years in an experimental mental healthcare facility. With determination, courage, and a thrust for a 'normal' life, not only is she now living in Ljianstipol but also working at the same mental healthca...

Cognition Switch: An Artefact for the Transmission of New IdeasIssue #1: December 2018Featuring Ideas by: Peter Harrison, Marcel Zentner, George Zarkadakisis, Danielle Celermajer, Paul Raeburn, Scott Samuelson, Nicolas Langlitz, Andrew Taggart, Donald S Lopez Jr, and Regina Rini