The Return to the Mystical

Reviews / Votes

Tyler offers a penetrating reading of Wittgenstein. And if that is not enough, he harnesses this to examine both the development of the theologia mystica from Dionysius to the medieval period and specifically the writings of the great Spanish mystic Teresa of Avila. Even more importantly he returns to re-read Wittgenstein. Tyler's elegant and provocative book is a genuine contribution to philosophy, theology and the study of mysticism. Situating his inquiry amidst the debate over mystical language and the 'core experience', Tyler deftly exposes and explores the mystical, transformational element in Wittgenstein's thought and life. In turn, Wittgenstein provides Tyler a clear lens through which he reexamines the mystical theology of seminal figures from Dionysius the Areopagite to Teresa of Avila. An immensely important contribution to the comparative study of mysticism, The Return of the Mystical also significantly advances our understanding of Wittgenstein. Mentioned in Fairacres Chronicle Vol. 44 No.1 This is a significant work of impressive scholarship; made accessible by the lucidity of style, the clarity of expression and the infectious enthusiasm of the author. This is an extraordinary book, blending mysticism with philosophy, creative synthesis with critical analysis and Theresa of Avila with Ludwig Wittgenstein. Though began with a fascination and enthusiasm for two giants in the field, the book is the result of persistent and meticulous research for ten years, exploring the interaction between these two great authors in depth both in style and content.