The Secrets of Alchemy

By: Lawrence M. Principe

Narrated by: Gary Tiedemann

In The Secrets of Alchemy, Lawrence M. Principe, one of the world's leading authorities on the subject, brings alchemy out of the shadows and restores it to its important place in human history and culture. By surveying what alchemy was and how it began, developed, and overlapped with a range of ideas and pursuits, Principe illuminates the practice. He vividly depicts the place of alchemy during its heyday in early modern Europe, and then explores how alchemy has fit into wider views of the cosmos and humanity, touching on its enduring place in literature, fine art, theater, and religion as well as its recent acceptance as a serious subject of study for historians of science.

In addition, he introduces the listener to some of the most fascinating alchemists, such as Zosimos and Basil Valentine, whose lives dot alchemy's long reign from the third century and to the present day. Through his exploration of alchemists and their times, Principe pieces together closely guarded clues from obscure and fragmented texts to reveal alchemy's secrets, and—most exciting for budding alchemists—uses them to recreate many of the most famous recipes in his lab, including those for the "glass of antimony" and "philosophers' tree." This unique approach brings the listener closer to the actual work of alchemy than any other book.

©2013 The University of Chicago (P)2023 Tantor

Great book

very good overview of a very misunderstood art. best introduction for someone who doesn't know where to start

Brilliant well-researched and witty

A look into alchemy across ages, expanding on the allegories, that will occasionally make you laugh. Gotta love Principe! Would have been excellent to hear him narrate it as well as he is a magnificent lecturer.

An amazing dive into the art of alchemy

Excellent book. If you have a curiosity on the subject this will light your path

A Brilliant and Compelling History of Alchemy as a Discipline

The insights into the early-modern view of science and religion were particularly fascinating. I hope more books by this author come to the platform.

Historical details

I was highly impressed by all the historical details. Loaded with lots of information so will definitely be listening to it again