Abstract

An insightful introduction to the strange, dark, yet fascinating microcosm of the Journal of Dreams – a record of the psycho-spiritual crisis that Swedenborg experienced in the years 1743–1744. The author paints a picture of the ‘history of the soul’ of his protagonist against the broader background of his earlier scientific activity and the related Enlightenment, mechanistic views. He outlines Swedenborg’s theory of dreams. The diarist experiences dreams and visions that shake him to the core, triggering psychological and somatic reactions; he perceives himself as God’s chosen one and transforms from an ‘Enlightenment thinker’ into a ‘Romantic’. Performing a vivisection of his own self or consciousness, he searches for the path to the Truth, declaring his trust in God. He experiences encounters with spirits, while at the same time being plagued by a fundamental difficulty in distinguishing good spirits from evil ones. The author draws attention to the presence of numerous Herrnhuter tropes in the diary. As a whole, Drömboken presents itself as a fascinating self-portrait of the Swedish scholar and mystic – encompassing its familial and social aspects as well.