The Letters of H.P. Blavatsky, Volume One
Ranked #13,898 in Culture & Society, #277,391 overall
Blavatsky's Early Correspondence
I do think that's a grand gesture for any religious organisation to make. To publish a book that gives opponents ready made fuel for detraction.
But then the Theosophical Society has a motto that makes this move highly understandable:
There is no religion higher than truth
I guess they really felt that the truth was more important than the risk of finding out Blavatsky swore more than we'd like :).
The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky: Volume 1 1861-1879
A Fascinating Read
Many a controversy was fought out in those days at the end of the 19th century that still has consequences for spirituality today.
The Letters of H.P. Blavatsky, Volume 1
The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky: Volume 1 1861-1879
Amazon Price: $32.95 (as of 02/16/2012)
There is unique historical information in this book about the woman who started the Theosophical Movement. She is said to be the founder of New Age - and the years covered in this book are formative for the Theosophical Society and her work.
The letters of H.P. Blavatsky - an introduction
Most of the letters contained in this book were actually written by H.P. Blavatsky to various people interested in her work. Each was judged important enough to save and perhaps copy - thus saving them for prosperity.
Imagine if all your e-mails got scrutinized a century after you wrote them... Like that thought? I don't think you would.
But paper does have this advantage: it gets thrown out. The simple thank you notes, the let's not forget to do that letters mostly didn't survive and did not make it into this book.
What did make it are letters that chronicle the starting years of the Theosophical Society - and a few from Blavatsky's life before she became a public person.
Great introduction material
As suggested at the start of this lens - perhaps a few controversial letters should have had MORE of an introduction, but on the whole this book is very well done.
It's a must read for anyone interested in the early history of the Theosophical Society or Blavatsky's life.
More H.P. Blavatsky
More Theosophy
Did you read the Blavatsky Collected Letters?
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WordCustard
Feb 14, 2011 @ 5:13 am | delete
- I haven't read these letters but I too am intrigued. Of course, as humans we are often attracted to controversy. I'm glad the Society did not claim to have all the answers as to their authenticity.
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Treasures-By-Brenda
Jan 8, 2009 @ 11:32 am | delete
- The 'storm' and the idea of actually letting the reader decide for themselves whether those letters were by Blavatsky or not makes this book sound intriguing and unique. A very well-written lens, Katinka!
Brenda
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