Pseudo-Dionysius: The Complete

Works
Until the publication of this book, Pseudo-Dionysius, a
major influence on Meister Eckhart and John of the
Cross, among others, was like a tantalizing mirage,
frequently referred to but generally not seen in full.
Finally, here he is. The book contains "The Divine
Names", "The Mystical Theology", "The Ecclesiastical
Hierarchy", "The Celestial Hierarchy", and letters. In
addition, there are three (!) introductions, to tell us
about Pseudo-Dionysius in later antiquity, the middle
ages, and the reformation. The translations are
modern, well-annotated, and clear inasmuch as this is
possible. One of the introductory writers comments
that many readers are surprized at how short these
works are, because they may seem long due to the
dense writing style. As for content, Pseudo-Dionysius
attempted to wed the Neoplatonism of Plotinus and
Proclus with the Bible and Christian practice. The
reader will have to judge how successful this effort
actually is, but it probably helps account for the
survival of these works through many heresy purges.
The result translated here is interesting in a historical
sense and useful in a spiritual sense. The discussion

of evil in "The Divine Names" is particularly

fascinating, if difficult. And for those who wonder
about angel theory, well, "The Celestial Hierarchy"
has it all. It is very good to finally be able to read
these works in their entirety.