Athanasius Kircher: A Walking Cabinet of Curiosities (Magic of Books)

Join William Kiesel in the PRS Library for a presentation on the German Jesuit scholar and polymath Athanasius Kircher: A Walking Cabinet of Curiosities A Lecture by William Kiesel in the PRS Library! Athanasius Kircher was a unique mind in seventeenth century Europe. As a priest with a serious curiosity for knowledge, his travels brought him into a journey that provided him direct experience in studies later codified into disciples such as archeology, Egyptology, science, volcanology, mechanics, and several scholarly inquiries. Gathering these many experiences together he proposed and sometime built new inventions to demonstrate or test the knowledge he gained. One of the more famous of the Renaissance polymaths, Kircher gathered powerful patrons in the persons of Popes and Emperors, and he was given the distinct position of curator of what was considered one of the first museums in the world. Tonight William Kiesel will present the adventures, eccentric character and bizarre inventions of this man who was a walking cabinet of curiosities. Ticket price: $22 (in person event only) Please email [email protected] or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions. ABOUT THE MAGIC OF BOOKS SERIES: “Without books, there is no memory, and without memory, a culture cannot exist.” - Fernando Báez Join William Kiesel for a series of engaging talks on books and book culture surrounding the wisdom traditions housed in the PRS Library. Books are vessels of coagulated thought, distilled and filtered through the minds of authors, artists and adepts. Understanding the technology of the book and the laboratory of the library grants the seeker access to the esoteric secrets that can aid them on their journey of discovery. Presented in the peaceful environs of the PRS Library, William uses some of the bibliographic treasures of the library to illustrate multi-disciplined topics aimed at bringing deeper awareness into these important literary tools which have preserved the ageless wisdom for centuries. Presented by PRS and Ouroboros Press William Kiesel has walked the path of esotericism for over 30 years. His practical experience and historical knowledge of occult literature and culture draws from such diverse disciplines as Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Qabalah, Thelema, Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Ceremonial Magic. With his decades as an antiquarian bookseller, his training in letterpress printing and bookbinding, Kiesel brings his love of books and scholarship together as publisher at Ouroboros Press. He is also faculty at 22 Teachings School of Hermetic Science and Magical Arts. www.bookarts.org CONTENT DISCLAIMER The views, opinions, and thoughts expressed by the presenters are solely those of the presenter and may not represent those of the Philosophical Research Society (PRS), its affiliates, or any individuals associated with PRS. Presentations are intended for informational and entertainment purposes. ACCESSIBILITY PRS wants all guests to be able to enjoy our events safely and comfortably. If you require any accessibility accommodation, please reach out to [email protected] before showtime and we will be happy to assist you. REFUND POLICIES All sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges for PRS events. If an event is cancelled entirely, tickets will be refunded or vouchers will be offered for a rescheduled event, and ticket holders will be notified. PARKING​ We encourage attendees to consider carpooling, walking or biking to events if possible, and please be considerate of our Los Feliz neighbors when parking. Street parking is available on Griffith Park Blvd. and (after 7 PM) on Los Feliz Blvd. Limited parking is available onsite at PRS in the front lot (entry from Los Feliz Blvd. when heading east). For ADA assistance, please reach out to us in advance via email ([email protected]) or phone (323.663.2167) and provide an email or number we can contact you at. PRS EVENT POLICIES • We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. • Events are subject to change without notice, including guest speakers and/or performers. • We encourage you to arrive at least 30 min. before the scheduled event start time to find parking, enjoy the Bookstore and take your seats. • Please turn off all mobile devices before the show. 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