Apollonius of Tyana, the Philosopher-Reformer of the First Century A.D.

"Apollonius of Tyana, the Philosopher-Reformer of the First Century A.D." by G. R. S. Mead is a critical study written in the early 20th century. It focuses on the life and contributions of Apollonius, a prominent philosopher and religious reformer of the first century A.D. The book examines the fragmented historical records surrounding his life, as well as the implications these have on our understanding of religious and philosophical thought during that time, particularly in relation to the origins of Christianity. The opening of the work introduces Apollonius and sets the stage for an exploration of the historical context of the first century, noting the scarcity of reliable contemporary accounts about religious life outside of Christianity. Mead underscores the rich tapestry of philosophical schools, cults, and communities that existed, many of which Apollonius interacted with during his extensive travels. He emphasizes that such interactions reflect a vibrant religious landscape in which Apollonius was active, striving to purify and reform existing practices. Through the lens of Apollonius, the text hints at broader questions surrounding the exchange of ideas between different cultures, notably the potential influences of Indian thought on Greco-Roman philosophy. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

George Robert Stow Mead was an English historian, writer, editor, translator, and an influential member of the Theosophical Society, as well as the founder of the Quest Society. His works dealt with various religious and philosophical texts and traditions, including Neoplatonism, Hermeticism and Gnosticism.