The Theosophical Enlightenment
by Joscelyn Godwin
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This is an intellectual history of occult and esoteric currents in the English-speaking world from the early Romantic period to the early twentieth century. The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875 by Helena P. Blavatsky, holds a crucial position as the place where all these currents temporarily united, before again diverging. The book's ambiguous title points to the author's thesis that Theosophy owed as much to the skeptical Enlightenment of the eighteenth century as it did to the concept show more of spiritual enlightenment with which it is more readily associated.The author respects his sources sufficiently to allow that their world, so different from that of academic reductionism, has a right to be exhibited on its own terms. At the same time he does not conceal the fact that he considers many of them deluded and deluding.In the context of theosophical history, this book is neither on the side of the blind votaries of Madame Blavatsky, nor on that of her enemies. It may, therefore, be expected to mildly annoy both sides. show lessTags
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Member Reviews
Many educated people "know" that the occultist and theosophical currents are fundamentally anti-rational, politically reactionary, and in opposition to the forces of liberalism and modernization. This wide-ranging history by Godwin demonstrates rather the reverse in many cases, with studies of the individuals and groups of the 18th and 19th centuries who developed the conceptual worlds of occultism, including theorists of phallic and solar religion, mesmerists, spiritualists, esoteric Freemasons, theosophists, and orientalists.
When this book was written in 1994, the author was explicitly aware of the lack of models for academic work in this field. Happily and deservedly, it has itself become one. It remains indispensable for readers show more who want to appreciate the historical situation and genealogies of such phenomena as modern initiatory societies, hidden adepts, and visionary divination. show less
When this book was written in 1994, the author was explicitly aware of the lack of models for academic work in this field. Happily and deservedly, it has itself become one. It remains indispensable for readers show more who want to appreciate the historical situation and genealogies of such phenomena as modern initiatory societies, hidden adepts, and visionary divination. show less
This is a good academic based history, not too dry.
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Author Information
36+ Works 2,160 Members
Joscelyn Godwin is Professor of Music at Colgate University. He has written many books on music, mysticism, and Western esoteric traditions.
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Series
Belongs to Publisher Series
Common Knowledge
- Canonical title
- The Theosophical Enlightenment
- Original publication date
- 1994
- Dedication
- To Leslie Price and James A. Santucci
- First words
- In the late spring of 1777, when much of the world was at peace, a young English gentleman was enjoying a scholarly and aesthetic tour of Sicily.
- Last words
- (Click to show. Warning: May contain spoilers.)No previous civilization has ever had the interest, the resources, or the inner need t o hold the entire world in its intellectual embrace; to take the terrifying step of renouncing, even blaspheming, its own religious tradition, in the quest for a more open and rational view; to publish freely those secrets that were formerly only given under the seal of initiation; and , in short, to plunge humanity into the spiritual alembic in which we find ourselves today.
- Publisher's editor
- Appelbaum, David
- Blurbers
- Faivre, Antoine; Bamford, Christopher
Classifications
- Genres
- Nonfiction, Religion & Spirituality, History, General Nonfiction
- DDC/MDS
- 299.93 — Religion Other religions Shintoism/Taoism/Other Mythologies Religions of other origin Religions of eclectic and syncretistic origin
- LCC
- BP545 .G63 — Philosophy, Psychology and Religion Islam. Bahaism. Theosophy, etc. Islam. Bahai Faith. Theosophy, etc. Theosophy
- BISAC
Statistics
- Members
- 128
- Popularity
- 254,873
- Reviews
- 2
- Rating
- (4.21)
- Languages
- English
- Media
- Paper, Ebook
- ISBNs
- 3
- ASINs
- 1
