The Theosophical Movement 1875-1925, A History and a Survey

New York: E. P. Dutton & Company, 1925. First Edition. Octavo, xxxii, 705 pages, publisher's original red cloth covered boards. Previous owner's neat bookplate and ink stamp in several places. The Theosophical Movement, 1875–1925: A History and a Survey is a comprehensive account of the first fifty years of modern Theosophy, tracing the movement from the founding of the Theosophical Society in New York in 1875 through its growth, controversies, divisions, and international influence. The volume examines the lives and teachings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, Henry Steel Olcott, William Q. Judge, Annie Besant, and other leading Theosophists, while discussing the Mahatmas, occult philosophy, esoteric Buddhism, reincarnation, karma, spiritual evolution, psychic research, and the transmission of Eastern religious ideas to the Western world. Rich in historical detail and documentary material, the work also addresses the Society for Psychical Research investigation, disputes over Blavatsky’s reputation, and the organizational conflicts that shaped the Theosophical movement after her death. Written from a perspective generally sympathetic to Blavatsky and Judge, this substantial study remains an important source for the history of Theosophy, Western esotericism, occultism, comparative religion, mysticism, and nineteenth- and early twentieth-century alternative spirituality. Some slight rubbing and wear, with insect damage near the front and rear of the volume and slight fraying to the head of the spine. The front hinge is internally cracked, and there is some discoloration. Extensive marginalia throughout, mostly in pencil, else in good + condition. Item #479

Price: $100.00