Description
**Book Description:**
The Theosophical Society, founded in 1875 in New York by notable figures such as H. S. Olcott and H. P. Blavatsky, has emerged as a significant force in shaping the alternative cultural and religious landscapes of the late 19th and 20th centuries. This organization is particularly recognized for its early advocacy of Tibetan and Indian religions and philosophies. As interest in the Theosophical Society continues to gain traction, many essential questions surrounding its foundation and its engagement with Eastern ideologies remain largely unexamined.
This ebook, **Imagining the East: The Early Theosophical Society**, is the pioneering scholarly anthology dedicated to shedding light on this fascinating subject. It presents a wealth of new insights into Theosophy within the context of modern religious history and Western esotericism.
The essays included in **Imagining the East** explore how early Theosophists perceived Eastern cultures and the diverse peoples with whom they interacted during their formative years. The authors critically analyze the intersections between Theosophy and Orientalism, scrutinizing the broader historical, political, and cultural contexts of the time. They delve into how the representations espoused by Theosophists mirrored prevailing values and conditions of 19th-century intellectual culture.
Furthermore, the collection highlights distinct differences between the Theosophical Society’s engagement with the East and conventional ‘Orientalism.’ It also contrasts the Society’s mission in India with the agendas of British colonialism and Christian missionary efforts, offering a nuanced understanding of these complex dynamics.
Reviews
“Reading through this superb collection was a wish ride — inspirational and much recommended.” — Lukas Pokorny, Religious Studies Review
“Imagining the East is a breakthrough collection. It could easily become one of the most important scholarly ebooks in the study of the Theosophical movement.” — W. Michael Ashcraft, Truman State University
NOTE: This product exclusively features the PDF ebook Imagining the East: The Early Theosophical Society. No access codes are included.
ISBNs: 978-0190853907, 978-0190853891, 978-0190853884
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