Sir Thomas Browne

Sir Thomas Browne was an English polymath and author of varied works which reveal his wide learning in diverse fields including science and medicine, religion and the esoteric. His most famous works include 'Religio Medici', 'Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial', and 'The Garden of Cyrus'.

Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial

    A Discourse of the Sepulchral Urns lately found in Norfolk

    "Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial" is a reflective, philosophical work exploring mortality, the inevitability of death, and the human struggle to understand the universe. The author delves into the customs and rituals of different cultures surrounding death and burial, using the discovery of ancient burial urns as a starting point. The text is a profound meditation on death, the fleeting nature of life, and the human desire for immortality. It also explores the mysteries of the universe, the limits of human knowledge, and the uncertainty of life after death.

    The 5984th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Religio Medici

    A Doctor's Religion

    "Religio Medici" is a deeply personal essay that explores the author's spiritual beliefs and philosophical thoughts on religion and medicine. Written in the 17th century, the text delves into the author's reflections on the nature of faith, the relationship between science and religion, and the practice of medicine as a spiritual calling. The author argues for a rational and tolerant approach to religious understanding, advocating for the coexistence of scientific inquiry and religious faith. The work is known for its eloquent prose and the introspective examination of the author's own beliefs and experiences, offering a unique insight into the intellectual landscape of the time.

    The 8360th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. The Garden Of Cyrus

    The Quincuncial Lozenge, or Network Plantations of the Ancients, Naturally, Artificially, Mystically Considered

    "The Garden of Cyrus" is a discursive, esoteric essay that delves into the symbolism and philosophy of the number five, particularly as it appears in nature and art. The work explores the quincunx pattern, which is a geometric arrangement of five points with four forming a square or rectangle and the fifth at its center. The author traverses a wide range of subjects, including the design of gardens, the structure of plants, ancient history, and the visual arts, to illustrate the recurrence and significance of this pattern throughout the natural world and human culture. The essay is known for its rich, elaborate prose and the breadth of its intellectual curiosity, reflecting the author's deep engagement with the mysteries of the cosmos and the search for underlying order in the chaos of existence.

    The 13497th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Works Of Sir Thomas Browne

    Including His Life and Correspondence

    "The Works of Sir Thomas Browne" is a comprehensive collection that showcases the writings of Sir Thomas Browne, a 17th-century English polymath and author. Known for his wide-ranging interests in science, medicine, religion, and the arts, Browne's works are celebrated for their rich language and eclectic subject matter. This compilation includes his most famous works such as "Religio Medici," where he explores the harmony between his scientific profession and personal faith, and "Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial," a meditation on death and the human desire for immortality through the examination of burial customs. Browne's writings reflect his curiosity and erudition, offering a unique insight into the intellectual landscape of the Renaissance and Baroque periods.

    The 14018th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. Sir Thomas Browne's Pseudodoxia Epidemica

    Enquiries into Very many Received Tenets and Commonly Presumed Truths

    This book is a comprehensive exploration of common misconceptions and erroneous beliefs that have persisted throughout history. Through a methodical and inquisitive approach, the author delves into various subjects, ranging from natural history to medicine, and systematically debunks myths and superstitions that have been accepted as truth by society. By employing a blend of scientific reasoning, empirical evidence, and philosophical inquiry, the work seeks to enlighten readers and encourage a more critical examination of widely held assumptions, ultimately advocating for a more rational and informed understanding of the world.