The Chemical Wedding of Christian Rosencreutz

A Romance in Eight Days

By: Johann Valentin Andreae, John Crowley - translator

Narrated by: John Crowley

Length: 4 hrs and 4 mins

Publisher's summary

Often described as an alchemical allegory, John Crowley instead decided this is "the first science fiction novel". After all, "it's fiction; it's about the possibilities of a science; and it's a novel". No matter what else it might be, it's definitely one of the great outlandish stories in Western literature.

Public Domain (P)2016 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

interesting listen.

I enjoyed this.
The commentary was appreciated.
I think this requires multiple listenings
to fully appreciate.

wonderful

Deep, rich and full of such layered wisdom. Crowley is very skilled as a storyteller and narrator and the tale itself is a wonderful puzzle.

Amazing rendition

In the beginning the narrator mentioned a ding noise for whenever he would read a foot note, however it looks like that didn't make it into the final cut. Amazing copy of this title though!

Great version

Though, as a Rosicrucian, I like to delve deeper into the metaphysics of this text, I enjoyed this version in that it could at once be an alchemical, religious or moral play into deeper sublime truths and also a comedy into the frailty of human understanding and knowledge. The "Ground Hog's Day" Sci-Fi considerations at the conclusion only enforce the RC foundation in this beloved tale. CRC is viewed as a cyclic character and so is the Order akin to his name. As such, the roots of RC reach back before the three manifestos. It was never meant to be understood. And, to me, it is ok to consider it nonsensical and in the same moment profound. Profoundly nonsensical. Therein a mystery. Such is life.

Trippy

This is considered the foundational text of the Rosicrucian order, a secret society of alchemists traveling through Europe during the 1600s. Also, as Crowley points out, this is arguably the first science fiction story ever written. I won't pretend I understand almost any of the symbolism, but I still had fun with this, especially the early steampunk-esque technologies. If any of this sounds interesting to you, check it out!

Very interesting

though most of the symbolism & alchemical significance was lost on me (very grateful for the author's explanatory notes) it was a very interesting & fanciful bit of fiction

Clearly Esoteric

Despite the Warnings in the Introduction, and the supposed Words of the Author... This book was CLEARLY written with Multiple Layers of Meaning and Intention.

It's Hermetically important, to the Enlightened. Or those Becoming Enlightened.

But only Strange and Entertaining to those who Still Slumber.


I can't believe that as many times as I've heard about this book, I'm only just now Digesting it!

Although, as Synchronicity would have it, I downloaded it and began listening on the Day before Easter. So I'm obviously right on track.

Enchanting

It says, "Write your review here... (optional)" but then won't allow submit unless there are at least, what, was it 15 words? Well, here they are. I love John Crowley's realms, including this one he brings to life with his voice.

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK GOD, LORD OF LOVE!!!💛

I ❤🧡💛💚💙💜🖤💟 this so very much! This appears to be a true blue print on how to live life as someone who wants to love fully and find true happiness through the endless joy of loving all other beings which ultimately leads to the knowledge that loving everyone, everywhere at all times brings true peace and joy always! It will show you were broken but you have a very strong relationship with your family. I love you more specifically, your family. I love you more so much more from your perspective, but it's Al's first time out. You are going through this process when a few years ago we found out together about this process for almost three centuries old people with great depression which were very different from other people because their children were nowhere I could see. Know what was broken? I was broken under pressure from her father, because she was an abusive person, I was broken. I was thinking maybe she could have another time out together with him. Looking forward without having a chance. Tom would have allowed four runs out together. I love this process! 💛💛💛💛💛💛💛

Mystical boredom

If you did not have an existing interest in this strange document, this will probably not pull you in. Commentary was sometimes unconvincing or not illuminating. Argument that this is the first sci fi work does not ring true.