Helena Blavatsky (Western Esoteric Masters) (Paperback)

~ (Editor) "Few writings of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky survive from the period prior to her arrival in New York in 1873..." (more)
Key Phrases: lunar chain, septenary constitution, universal fluid, Isis Unveiled, New York, Theosophical Society (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

At the age of 17, rejecting nineteenth-century materialism, Helena Blavatsky (1831-1891) left her native Russia and traveled through India, Tibet, Egypt, Europe, and the Americas seeking out the sources of ancient wisdom as a key to spiritual truth. In 1875 in New York, she co-founded the Theosophical Society for the study of occult traditions. Many popular ideas of rediscovered ancient wisdom, including reincarnation and karma, trace their origin to Helena Blavatsky and Theosophy. This anthology includes material on her life and travels, as well as excerpts from her major works.

About the Author

Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke, General Editor of the Western Esoteric Masters Series is Professor of Western Esotericism at the University of Exeter and director of its Centre for the Study of Esotericism. He has published studies on Paracelsus, John Dee, Cornelius Agrippa, Emanuel Swedenborg, and Helena Blavatsky. His pioneering work, The Occult Roots of Nazism has been translated into nine languages.

Product Details

• Paperback: 240 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books (April 7, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 155643457X
• ISBN-13: 978-1556434570
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.9 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #109,149 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Meticulous scholarship on an important & controversial figure, May 24, 2006

By	Siobhan Houston (Denver, CO, USA) - See all my reviews

My dissertation research touches on Madame Blavatsky and Theosophical history and this book has been incredibly helpful. Dr. Goodrick-Clarke provides insightful background to this formidable author and spiritual guide. Her work has greatly influenced contemporary spirituality, and scholars of religion would do well to at least acquaint themselves with her life and work. It's not necessary to like Blavatsky to enjoy this book. I am not a Theosophist or follower of Blavatsky, but do understand her seminal place in modern religious history. Dr. Goodrick-Clarke (who holds a PhD in history from Oxford University) is one of the foremost authorities on Western esotericism in the world and currently a professor at the University of Exeter in the UK. He has penned the best introduction to Madame Blavatsky currently available and his insights are priceless. I highly recommend it!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Just so you know, February 9, 2008

By	G. Taylor - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Gary Reichenbacher is a Christian with apparently nothing better to do than write bad reviews for books he hasn't read...in a backwoods attempt to save us all from the abysmal pits of hell...which is where we'll all end up should we decide to read the aforementioned books. If you share his narrow view of philosophy chances are you're illiterate and not looking to buy any of the books he's reviewed in the first place. If you are a free thinker looking to expand your spiritual and intellectual horizons then you should take all of his bad reviews as further proof that you'll enjoy the book.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great Intro to HPB, June 6, 2006

By	Book lover (Colorado) - See all my reviews

This is a very good introduction to the life and work of Blavatsky, the founder of the Theosophical Society. The author does a great job of clarifying her teachings and elucidating her most fascinating biography.