The Esoteric World of Madame Blavatsky: Insights into the Life of a Modern Sphinx (Hardcover)

by Daniel Caldwell (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal
Originally self-published as The Occult World of Madame Blavatsky (LJ 2/1/92), this updated version may reach a wider audience. Caldwell has gathered these reminiscences by her relatives, acquaintances, friends, enemies, and co-workers, giving readers a look at Helena Blavatsky's life (1831-91), along with a glimpse into her enigmatic personality. Some New Age devotees may recognize Blavatsky as the 19th-century Russian who traveled the world and was attracted to the unexplored mysteries in cosmic and human nature. As a prolific writer in her own right, these searches are well-documented, but here the reader has the chance to get to know her life and influences better. The story of her life is easy to follow, with the variety of memories well blended. But the language reads like that of an earlier time, and this less-than-contemporary style may discourage some readers. Large libraries carrying an extensive New Age collection, or those offering many titles on alternative spirituality, might consider adding this book. Leroy Hommerding, Fort Meyers Beach P.L. Dist., FL
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Description
Madame Blavatsky soirees were magnets for freethinking intellectuals and the sites of remarkable and remarked-upon phenomena, as related here by family, as the 'New Age.'

Product Details

• Hardcover: 160 pages
• Publisher: Quest Books (February 25, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0835607941
• ISBN-13: 978-0835607940
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #701,549 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Best One Volume Overview of Mme. Blavatsky's Life, January 8, 2001

By	M. Graye (Tucson, AZ USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Here for the first time is the story of H. P. Blavatsky's life in the words of her contemporaries. Although not a biography per se, this collection tells the story of Madame Blavatsky's eventful career with a special look at the "Esoteric World" in which she lived. These reminiscences by her relatives, acquaintances, friends, co-workers, critics and enemies allow the reader to enter into the historical milieu of HPB's time and give a vivid portrayal of Madame Blavatsky's personality. The narratives are arranged in chronological order and include (1) striking word portraits of HPB; (2) reminiscences giving insight into HPB's enigmatic character; (3) incidents that are sometimes humorous and witty; (4) accounts of psychic phenomena performed by Madame Blavatsky; and (5) descriptions of encounters with HPB's Masters. These personal reminiscences of HPB by more than seventy of her contemporaries give a vivid portrayal of one of the most extraordinary and controversial figures of modern times. Here is a sourcebook of rare original material on HPB illustrated with forty-four photographs and drawings.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wealth of biographical information, April 27, 2001

By	Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

In The Esoteric World Of Madame Blavatsky: Insights Into The Life Of A Modern Sphinx, Daniel Caldwell has collected a wealth of biographical information on one of the most influential metaphysical thinkers and writers of her day. Arranged in chronological order, we are treated to Madame Blavatsky's travels beginning in Russia and spanning the entire world including her years in New York, and sojourns to London, Bombay, Allahabad, Sri Lanka, Lahore, Adyar, France, Germany, and Italy. A "must" for students of Madame Blavatsky's writings and metaphysics, Caldwell's informative text is wonderfully enhanced with a number of illustrations and photographs.