Heaven and Hell
From Things Heard and Seen
By Emanuel Swedenborg
Step beyond the veil of earthly life in this groundbreaking spiritual classic by Swedish mystic Emanuel Swedenborg. First published in 1758, Heaven and Hell offers a vivid and systematic vision of the afterlife based on the author’s claimed direct experiences with the spiritual world. Divided into three profound sections—Heaven, the World of Spirits, and Hell—this work unveils the nature of life beyond death. Swedenborg explores the structure and harmony of heaven, the transitional realm where souls prepare for their final destination, and the self-inflicted torments of hell that stem from a life led by selfishness and vice. Through rich descriptions and moral insight, Swedenborg emphasizes the eternal significance of free will, the enduring impact of earthly choices, and the soul’s journey toward divine truth. Both visionary and deeply human, Heaven and Hell continues to inspire seekers of spiritual wisdom and moral clarity.
Emanuel Swedenborg (1688–1772) was a Swedish Christian mystic, scientist, philosopher, and theologian. A remarkable figure of the 18th century, he is best known for his spiritual writings in which he claimed direct communication with angels and experiences in the afterlife. After a distinguished early career in science and engineering, Swedenborg turned his focus to theology, producing a vast body of work that has had a lasting impact on Western religious thought. His most influential books include Heaven and Hell, Divine Love and Wisdom, and The True Christian Religion. Swedenborg’s vision of the spiritual world—centered on free will, moral responsibility, and the eternal nature of the soul—laid the foundations for the religious movement known as the Church of the New Jerusalem, or Swedenborgianism.
