The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library: An Anthology of Ancient Writings Which Relate to Pythagoras and Pythagorean Philosophy

What a great book about a topic few know about. I certainly did not know. Anyone interested in Pythagorean history needs this pronto!

"The Pythagorean Sourcebook and Library" is a fascinating entrance into world of the ancient ancients. My exposure to Pythagoras had been limited to his mathematical theorem taught in high school geometry. Kenneth Sylvan Guthrie excellent book brings the enormous range of Pythagoras' interests alive for the modern reader. Pythagoras' works in Harmonics, Number, Political Science, Education, and a host other important subjects were foundational ideas and concepts explored and modified by later thinkers. David Fideler's Introduction sets the stage for this modern, easy to read and understand translation that forms the substance of the book. Both the Translations and Introduction work to make this volume so appealing. Highly recommended for those who have ever wondered about those obscure references pointing to Pythagoras. A lover and student of Wisdom, Pythagoras claims the title First Philosopher.

Pythagoras did not write anything down. Everything in his mystery schools was transmitted orally, and like all the mystery schools, the adepts did not give out any information to the unwashed hordes (people like you and me). The book is a compilation of all the fragments written by Pythagorean heavyweights. The Introduction covers Pythagorean theory on math and harmonics, as does the Appendix. Not to worry - you can get by without any advanced knowledge of mathematics. The fragments and writings cover both his life and his doctrines. Some of the fragments, from Archytas in particular, were not only hard to read but also hard to follow the logic. Some sections I read and re-read before finally moving on. I understood the concept, but the logic was way over my head. Other writings, about his views on women and marriage, were more than a little sexist and very entertaining. It is a very interesting book and well worth reading.

If you wish to study Pythagorean philosophy or the man himself, start right here. This book is jammed with authentic source information and writings. It is well executed and not some sort of collection of crappy scans that other "source" books end up being. This is well done, annotated, and a professionally put together.

The books is great, no surprises but the print is heavy and sometimes not easy to read.

Anything with David Fideler's hand in it is worth the money. His book "Jesus Christ, Sun of God" is seriously one of the ten most important, stellar books on the early Christian and Greek gnosis I have ever read. I LOVE this book.

Great gift!

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