“The Riddle of Alchemy’ was officially released today and is now available for purchase from Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kindle, and wherever books are sold. The book deals with alchemy’s rich, multifaceted tradition from three perspectives –history, psychology, and nomothetic science–something not seen in other books of the same subject. It addresses many fascinating questions: what is alchemy? Is there any empirical truth to ancient speculative pursuits like metallic transmutation? How does alchemy intersect with the Western mind sciences and science in general?
Early reviews have this to say:
“Even skeptics will find much to appreciate in this beautifully crafted work. A well-written, expertly researched analysis of the history and legacy of alchemy.” –Kirkus Reviews
“Walking in the footsteps of Carl Gustav Jung, Kiritsis ranges effortlessly in his essays from an analysis of enigmatic alchemical motifs to contemporary issues in physics, evolutionary biology, and neuroscience, all the while drawing on a profound knowledge of ancient Greek mythology and philosophy. A thought-provoking and beautifully written work.” –Hereward Tilton, PhD, author of The Path of the Serpent, Vol. 1: Psychedelics and the Neuropsychology of Gnosis, and The Quest for the Phoenix: Spiritual Alchemy and Rosicrucianism in the Work of Count Michael Maier (1569–1622)
“The Riddle of Alchemy is a dense and lavish text that elucidates a storied natural philosophy and protoscience, showing its creative influence on modern psychology.” –Foreword Clarion Reviews
“Alchemy, the alleged transmutation of base metals into precious ones, has long captured the human imagination, sometimes serving as a metaphor for other types of change. In this provocative book, Paul Kiritsis discusses the topic from several different perspectives, spanning various eras and cultures. From the chemical laboratories of ancient Greece, to the “internal alchemy” of Eastern sages, to the psychological insights of Carl Gustav Jung, alchemy is a topic that never fails to delight and intrigue, as Dr Kiritsis points out in this reader-friendly book, each chapter of which is an eloquently stated discussion of the topic.” –Stanley Krippner, PhD, co-author of Personal Mythology: Using Ritual, Dream, and Imagination to Discover Your Inner Story, 3rd ed. (with David Feinstein)
“The book stands out for its meticulous research and comprehensive elucidation. It traces the origins of alchemy to ancient civilizations, introducing key figures and emphasizing the integration of practical techniques with mysticism. It goes beyond traditional approaches, connecting alchemical principles with Jung’s theory of individuation.” –OnlineBookClub.org
