Hints Esoteric Theosophy Swedenborg (2 results)

Paperback. Condition: Acceptable. Paperback Octavo. wraps, 74pp, stains and chips to wraps, water stains to spine, rear cover loosening from spine, previous owner's signature to upper left corner front cover Standard shipping (no tracking) / Priority (with tracking) / Custom quote for large or heavy orders.…

Second and enlarged edition of Number 1, first edition of Number 2. This work was published during the short Theosophical interlude in the colonial administrator and ornithologist's life. These copies have the ownership signatures on the front wrappers of Silas Herbert Randall (1852-1901). Randall was involved in the publication of the journal The Platonist and was vice-president of the Hermetic Brotherhood of Luxor. Hume (1829-1912) became a Theosophist in response to a career crisis occasioned by his outspoken advocacy for reform in India. Theosophy had been introduced to the country in 1879 by Blavatsky and Olcott, who claimed that they were in communication transcendentally with saintly figures in the Himalayas. "Hume became sufficiently fascinated to school himself for discipleship by forgoing alcohol, becoming a vegetarian, and shooting no more birds, even for science. Theosophy led him into the study of ancient Hinduism and Buddhism. He soon grew distrustful of Blavatsky's honesty and sceptical of her occult phenomena, but then came under the influence of a Vedantist leader, Swami Paramahansa. He had severed association with Blavatsky and Olcott by 1883, but continued to believe, along with independent Indian leaders, in transcendental communication" (ODNB). 2 vols, octavo. Original printed greenish brown and blue wrappers. Wrappers browned, soiled, and chipped, front joint of volume one split: a good copy of a fragile publication.…