About this title: Just before the turn of the century, a renegade Russian aristocrat named Madame Blavatsky came to America claiming that man was descended not from the ape but from spiritual beings. Thus began Theosophy, the very first "new age" religion. This thought-provoking and often hilarious study delineates the course of Theosophy and other sects which have ...
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Description: Good. Former Library book. Shows some signs of wear, and may have some markings on the inside. Shipped to over one million happy customers. Your purchase benefits world literacy! read more
Description: Good. 0805241256 Former library item may have library binding and show stamps, stickers or other marks. Items not meeting quality expectations may be returned. Due to the large scale of our operation, we do not have access to the specific contents/condition of our items. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Schocken
Date Published: 1996
ISBN-13:9780805210248ISBN:0805210245
Description: Good. A copy that has been read, but remains in clean condition. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (including dustcover, if applicable). The spine may show signs of wear. Pages can include limited notes and highlighting, and the copy can include "from the library of" labels. read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Schocken
Date Published: 1996
ISBN-13:9780805210248ISBN:0805210245
Description: Good. Used item may show library stamps, stickers and marks. Buy with confidence-your satisfaction is guaranteed at B-Logistics! Due to the large scale of our operation, we do not have access to the specific contents/condition of our items. Please note that Expedited shipping is not available at this time. read more
Binding: Hardcover
Publisher: Schocken
Date Published: 1995
ISBN-13:9780805241259ISBN:0805241256
Description: Good. I am a hardcover book that you will find to be internally free of any marking, soiling, or once dog eared pages all which remain crisp and bright. My binding is snug, spine straight, and my dust jacket is clean and bright showing a moderate reduction to their original glossy luster with spots of light to moderate edge wear. It is no secret that the market fluctuates on all commodities including media items, and it is always possible that we have overvalued a product listed. Therefore if ... read more
Description: Fine; Collectible. Collectible stated 1st US Edition (1995 HC), 1st printing with 10 full numberline. Ex Lib Copy in excellent condition with stamp. No writings/underlines/highlights. Pages are nice and clean. Free deliver confirmation! Satisfaction guaranteed! read more
Binding: Paperback
Publisher: Schocken
Date Published: 1996
ISBN-13:9780805210248ISBN:0805210245
Description: Acceptable. -Acceptable: A readable copy. All pages are intact, and the cover is intact (the dust cover may be missing). Pages can include considerable notes--in pen or highlighter--but the notes cannot obscure the text. About Austin eBooks Austin eBooks is committed to providing each customer with the highest standard of customer service! We add inventory to our store daily, and guarantee order processing and shipment within 2 business days. read more
Edition: F First Edition
Binding: H hardcover
Publisher: Schocken Books
Date Published: 1995
ISBN-13:9780805241259ISBN:0805241256
Description: Good in J Good jacket. First American Edition; First Printing; Dustjacket lightly rubbed, very lightly bumped/soiled; back board ever-so-slightly soiled; top and fore edges very barey soiled, bottom edge very barely soiled/bumped; binding tight; interior intact and very clean; a nice copy. read more
Description: Good. 0805210245 A used but readable copy with markings and general wear. Paperback. Used items may not include extras such as infotrac, CD or other web access codes. read more
"According to this book, Madame Blavatsky and her ilk were a bunch of fakes and grifters. A bit of dry read, esp. since these are some colorful characters!"
"Man, I thought modern new agers were a weird lot, they ain't got nothin on the original charlatans. Interesting, extremely funny and revealing, everyone who believes that ancient wise masters are advising them from ancient Egypt should review this book carefully, and then pick a new hobby (like stamp collecting or skin popping, neither of which are as irritating or as bad for a person)."
"This book traces the origins of the modern New Age movement through examining the lives and philosophies of its charismatic founders. Theosophy founder Madame Blavatsky was just the first of many who garnered spiritual street cred by claiming to be in contact with a secret brotherhood of ascended masters. Though there is ample evidence that Blavatsky was nothing more than a highly creative fakir, her attempt to build a new spirituality based on the common thread within all religions struck such a chord with the world-weary sophisticates of her day that she succeeded in founding an enormous spiritual legacy.
Washington spends a great deal of time in this book detailing the various infights, outfights, scandals and shenanigans that plagued this movement from its beginnings, and there is plenty of comedy to had in this history. My enjoyment of the book was tempered, however, by the fact that this spiritual soap opera has a cast of characters that is so vast, it's sometimes hard to keep track of them all. What Washington's extensive coverage of the various players and their very human failings makes clear, however, is that the history of charismatic individuals abusing their self-proclaimed spiritual power is a long one. Those interested in cults will find his portrayal of the dynamics between these early teachers and their students particularly insightful.
Though Washington does discuss in broad terms the spiritual philosophies behind Theosophy, Anthroposophy, the Work of Gurdjieff and the teachings of J. Krishnamurti, those who are looking for an in-depth analysis of these systems will likely be disappointed. Those who are interested in reviewing a fascinating portrait of human nature as it relates to spirituality and the development of new religions, however, will be amply rewarded by the expansive, clear-eyed perspective Washington brings to a subject that is usually shrouded in hazy myth."
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