I found a lovely first edition "Old Diary Leaves" (the true history of the Theosophical Society :: byline) by Henry Steel Olcott. This late 1800's volume still has the "proofs" illustrations, and a bronze of Blavatsky in excellent condition. At nearly 500 books it shall surely give me several nights enjoyment, and a perspective from an author I am not so familiar with. I am always amazed at the condition I find my old books in, they were clearly well revered in their time. I like the old books as I seek to also pick up impressions from them; both of the times, and of the readers.

It's topics seem all over the place, so I gather it reflects to some degree significant events in the early times of the Society. There are about a dozen or so illustrations, one of the Mahatma's turben, which may serve to add some color to the portrayel of the times.

ChristianMyst :: MystoftheOracle

Christian,

It is great that you got such a valuable collection. I once read part of one of the books, but it did seem to meander a bit.

Please share with us any great quotes you come across.

I am hoping I can do so. I am trying to sense the 'experience' of Olcott's involvement of the Movement as well. It should add a greater degree of realism, instead of having Theosophy disected.


ChristianMyst :: MystoftheOracle

Well, my suspicians and assertions have sure been confirmed. Mr. Olcott makes it absolutely and pointedly clear that H.P.B. subjugated Nature Spirits to perform her phenomena, sometimes kicking and slandering them. I am shocked at this worst example of low mediumship, but then, it is what I surmised all along. I will have to try and rationalize some positive means to hold someone who would absolutely force some lessor evolved spirit to do their bidding, and remain their attentive slave as Olcott proclaims.

I assure you, mediumship has advanced considerably. Very few would even think of doing physical mediumship of this sort because it opens the door to a lifetime of revenge. I personnally employ a seer-adept samadhi form of High Mediumship, and I should like to think that most persons today are at least above the trance mediumship concept, although, that is likely the basic level overall. Soon, great new generations will naturally have evolved to the higher mental plane form of mediumship.

I am enjoying the book, regardless experiencing that "careful what you wish" expose within the first 20 pages, then the next 20 or so. I like the old style of writing quite a bit, probably from having been raised by my grandparents, both wonderful readers and great writers. I do continue to note that Mr. Olcott's ego tends to be overly evident, but so far, if I am to accept what he writes as truth, then he has a right to be 'correct.' The book does indeed fill in the life and times with some reality-TV type of stuff that makes our heros and heroines seem like real people whom we know. He does add a lot of information of the state of Spirituality in the 1875 and after period, which is very helpful to properly enterpreting all of the works from that period.

Christan