A Collection of Essays Related to Theosophy and Spiritual, Esoteric and Occult Literature

By: William Q. Judge, G. R. S. Mead, C. W. Leadbeater, Annie Besant, H. A. W. Coryn, Helena P. Blavatsky

Narrated by: Michael Strader, Sandra Brautigam

Length: 12 hrs and 44 mins

Publisher's summary

This is a collection of 26 essays on a variety of theosophical, spiritual and esoteric subjects by some of the most notable and prominent names in the history of theosophy. Compiled specifically with the student in mind. The contents include:

1. "Theosophy Defined" by William Q. Judge 2. "Psychic and Spiritual Development" by Annie Besant 3. "What Is Occultism?" by Helena P. Blavatsky 4. "The Law of Cause and Effect" by CW Leadbeater 5. "Theosophy and Occultism" by GRS Mead 6. "The Astral Body" by HAW Coryn 7. "Buddhic Consciousness" by CW Leadbeater 8. "The Vision of the Spirit" by C. Jinarajadasa 9. "The Hidden Side of Lodge Meetings" by CW Leadbeater 10. "Gospels and Upanishads" by Charles Johnston 11. "Spiritualism and Occult Truth" by Helena P. Blavatsky 12. "Why Not I?" by CW Leadbeater 13. "Discipleship" by Annie Besant 14. "Eastern Psychology: The Missing Link Between Religion and Science" by GRS Mead 15. "The Influence of Surroundings" by CW Leadbeater 16. "Occultism" by Annie Besant 17. "Art as a Factor in the Soul's Evolution" by C. Jinarajadasa 18. "Masters of Wisdom" by CW Leadbeater 19. "Mystics and Mysticism in Christianity" by JD Buck 20. "A Measure of What Theosophy Means to Me" by GRS Mead 21. "The Influence of Alcohol" by Annie Besant 22. "The Attitude of the Enquirer" by CW Leadbeater 23. "Black Magic in Science" by Helena P. Blavatsky 24. "Stones, Metals and Gems" by Manly P. Hall 25. "Ancient Ideals in Modern Masonry" by CW Leadbeater 26. "The Use of Evil" by Annie Besant

©2017 Lamp of Trismegistus (P)2017 Lamp of Trismegistus

Great collection

I've gotten all 3 of the collections that have been put out so far and I really hope they keep them coming. Both narrators do a great job presenting the information and the way the order is set really makes each lecture flow well and not just seem like a random mash up of topics.

Smart Collection, Absolutely Terrible Narration

The editors chose wisely their authors and title, providing a sensible overview of occult and esoteric writings. However, the narration by Strader and Brautigam couldn't be worse. Seriously -- and I listened to the entire work in vain hopes that I could somehow grow into the narration. The subject matter was just too compelling to ignore -- despite the narration. The two readers treat the text as if they are reading to preschoolers in a second language class, painfully enunciating each and every word in a deadened monotone. Awful, awful, awful vocal treatment of an otherwise excellent idea, grouping writings by Mead, Blavatsky, Manly Hall, Leadbeater, and Besant into a smart survey of the topic. I had planned to purchase Volume 1 and Volume II of "A Collection of Writings..." by Lamp of Trismegistus, but cannot go there, given the sad fact that Strader and Brautigam are listed as readers for those collections. If you want to find an avenue into esoteric and occult thought narrated by pros, consider Sean Pratt's reading of "The Doctrine and Ritual of High Magic" by Eliphas Levi, released in May of 2017, and Mitch Horowitz's reading of "The Kybalion," published by Gildan Media in 2013. This work is terribly disappointing, but as a consolation, all of the selections make good, old-fashioned reading. Now we can wait for a compilation of Manly Hall's works on Aubidle, hopefully by Gildan Media.