The Secret Doctrine

THE SECRET DOCTRINE, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky’s masterwork on the origin and evolution of the universe and humanity itself, is arguably the most famous and, perhaps, the most influential, occult book ever written. Published since 1888 only in expensive, two-volume editions of some 1,400 pages, it has long eluded the grasp of modern readers – until now. This single-volume edition, abridged and annotated by historian and Theosophical scholar, Michael Gomes, places the ideas of THE SECRET DOCTRINE within reach of all who are curious. In particular, Gomes provides a critical sounding of the book’s famous stanzas on the genesis of life and the cosmos – mysterious passages that Blavatsky said originated from a primeval source and which form the heart of THE SECRET DOCTRINE. Gomes scrupulously scales down the book’s key writings on symbolism to their essentials and offers notes and a glossary to illuminate arcane references. His historical and literary introduction casts new light on some of the book’s sources and on the career of its brilliant and elusive author, one of the most intriguing personages of the nineteenth century.
At once compact and representative of the work as a whole, this new edition of THE SECRET DOCTRINE brings unprecedented accessibility to the key esoteric classic of the modern era.

Author Biography

Helena Blavatsky or Madame Blavatsky (1831-1891) was a renowned psychic and spiritual leader. After travelling extensively throughout the world, she settled in the USA in 1873 where she founded the Theosophical Society with Olcott, Judge and others. In 1879 she travelled to India and then on to Europe finally settling in England where she died on 1891.