'The Temple of Music' by Robert Fludd

Robert Fludd (1574-1637) is well known among historians of science and philosophy for his intriguing work. 'The Temple of Music' (1617-18) is one section of his work, and deals with music theory, practice and organology. Many musicologists today have dismissed his musical ideas as conservative and outmoded or mainly based on fantasy; only the chapters on instruments have received some attention. However, reading Fludd's work on music theory and practice in the context of his own time and comparing it with other contemporary treatises, it is apparent that much of it contains highly original ideas and cannot be considered old fashioned or conservative. This critical edition provides the original Latin, an English translation and essential illustrations.