

return to introductory study material
DEITY, COSMOS & MAN
first published 1993 and reprinted 2010
Esoteric Science, the Wisdom Religion, embraces all that is good and true in the great religions of mankind, yet transcends them all. As far as can be expressed in words, it reflects Truth, insisting on the unity of the cosmic process. As we are of a like nature with the Cosmos, of one Essence, we are members of one family. This outline of the Wisdom teaching consists of extracts from the original literature with an illuminating commentary. We learn of the various levels of operation in the Cosmos and humanity; the personality, when unrestrained, tends to be entirely self-concemed, whilst the Individuality is rooted in the Divine Unity. As we become increasingly responsive to this Individuality, it exercises a unifying influence in our lives. A complete course in basic theosophy.
Centenary Edition: Published by the Blavatsky Trust 2010
To order centenary edition: Please send cheque for £12.50 (includes UK P&P) to -
The Blavatsky Trust, 26 Parkhill Road, Torquay, UK, TQ1 2AL
Or order via Amazon UK: Deity, Cosmos and Man: Outline of Esoteric Science
THE KEY TO THEOSOPHY
Originally published 1889
Being a Clear Exposition, in the Form of Question and Answer, of the ETHICS, SCIENCE, AND PHILOSOPHY for the Study of which The Theosophical Society has been founded.
THEOSOPHY
A Modern Expression of the Wisdom of the Ages (Quest Books)
Robert Ellwood 1986
Author's comments regarding the book are as follows:
A philosophical and spiritual position exists which says that all we need to know or can want to know about the real meaning and nature of the universe or of ourselves, or about the origin and destiny of human life, has been known from the beginning of humanity. This wisdom has always been known and is now known deep down by all human beings. But the ancient wisdom can only be known consciously by those who are prepared for it and who look for it. It is a wisdom about the combined spiritual and material nature of humans and all beings, and about the evolution of consciousness as well as of life. It is about the spiritual side of atoms, planets and stars, about the unity of being and the interconnectedness of all true seekers on this and all other worlds and galaxies. This position is often called Theosophy. One modern presentation of this worldview is in the writings of Helena P. Blavatsky, including Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine, and in the teaching and life of the Theosophical Society of which she was one founder in 1875.
In the present book, Theosophy, I have tried to summarize some of the essentials of this teaching and way of life in simple and contempoary form. If you find ideas like these at all interesting, I hope you will give my book a try.
HELENA BLAVATSKY (Western Esoteric Masters)
Prof. Nicholas Goodrick-Clarke 2004
Not only is this consise book a very good introduction to the life and work of Blavatsky, the founder of the Theosophical Society it presents some of the principle doctrines of the Theosophical Society with a degree of clarity that modern readers should appreciate.
THEOSOPHY, WHAT'S IT ALL ABOUT?
Geoffrey Farthing 1983.
An elementary outline of principles. Revised edition.
Just What is Theosophy? We might know someone who thinks that they can answer this question accurately and objectively or perhaps we can look up a brief and, hopefully, unbiased defmition in a dictionary or encyclopedia, but how can we be certain of the answer? What is theosophy about? The author tells us that it is about the universe, its nature and origins; it is about mankind and his relationship to the Whole; it is about law that operates throughout nature, about evolution & individual responsibility. This simple little work aims to introduce the reader to some ideas to enlarge their outlook on life, and begin to answer the question: 'Theosophy: What's It All About?'
Available from The Theosophical Society (England) bookshop link
THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY
W.Q. Judge. First published 1893
From Chapter 1: 'That man possesses an immortal soul is the common belief of humanity; to this Theosophy adds that he is a soul; and further that all nature is sentient [& that] all is soul and spirit ever evolving under the rule of law which is inherent in the whole. And just as the ancients taught, so does Theosophy; that the course of evolution is the drama of the soul and that nature exists for no other purpose than the soul's experience.'
Subjects covered include: Theosophy & the Masters; Body & Astral Body; Reincarnation; Karma; Psychic Phenomena & Spiritualism.
ANSWERS TO QUESTIONS ON THE OCEAN OF THEOSOPHY
Robert Crosbie. First published 1937
Robert Crosbie was the Founder of the United Lodge of Theosophists and of the magazine 'Theosophy,' and was for many years a pupil of William Q. Judge. The Introduction to this 1937 book states, "The Ocean of Theosophy, written by Mr. Judge, was regarded by Mr. Crosbie as the perfect condensation of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky's great work, The Secret Doctrine, and therefore the best possible book to put in the hands of students [and thereby] the fundamental teachings of Theosophy. A portion of each session was devoted to questions and answers, which were preserved in stenographic records."
THE FRIENDLY PHILOSOPHER
Robert Crosbie
This book of over 400 pages is a real compendium of wisdom. Consisting of both letters written to colleagues and fellow Theosophists and talks given at Theosophical meetings on many different subjects, “The Friendly Philosopher” reveals the kind and open-hearted wisdom of Robert Crosbie, the man responsible for the founding of the United Lodge of Theosophists.
Over the years, this book has proven to be a tried and tested source of encouragement, advice, comfort, and inspiration for many pilgrims on the Path, all of whom are bound to meet the same problems, difficulties, and situations as one another.

HPB: EXTRAORDINARY LIFE & INFLUENCE of H.P. BLAVATSKY
Sylvia Cranston
A comprehensive and definitive biography of Madame Blavatsky, detailing her adventurous life and tracing the influence of her ideas after her death.

LETTERS THAT HAVE HELPED ME
W.Q. Judge. First published 1891
The experience of one student is, on the whole, the experience of all. Details differ: some are made more instantly rich than others, for they have put forth a more vigorous effort, or they have a Karmic store which brings aid. For those who need assistance on the Path, these short letters, by a co-founder of the Society, give moral uplift and practical inspiration in living the life.
THE REAL H.P. BLAVATSKY
William Kingsland. First published 1928
One of the best biographies, written by a man who knew and worked with her, this is a frank account of her work on behalf of humanity, and the obstacles against which she fought.
H.P. BLAVATSKY, TIBET AND TULKU
Geoffrey A. Barborka.
A scholarly compilation, an account of the knowledge and powers of Eastern Occultists and examples of the attainments in this field of H.P. Blavatsky.
ECHOES OF THE ORIENT
W.Q. Judge & others, 3 vols.
Reprints of the writings of W.Q. Judge for his magazine The Path, etc., with answers to many questions. W.Q.J. was a direct pupil of one of the Masters.
EXPLORING THE GREAT BEYOND
Geoffrey Farthing
A summary of the teachings of Mme Blavatsky and her Masters concerning the world of invisible substances, forces and entities behind manifest existence, and giving an account of the after-death states.
THE SEARCH WITHIN
Christmas Humphreys
Manuals of meditation have flooded the market, some good, others less so. This simple text, written by the founder of the UK Buddhist Society gives a one year course in spiritual and moral thinking, without the gimmicks and 'instant success' claims of other volumes.
FROM THE CAVES AND JUNGLES OF HINDOSTAN
H.P. Blavatsky
A story of travels, adventures and marvellous happenings.
REMINISCENCES OF H.P.B. AND THE S.D.
Countess Wachtmeister
Some letters and comments describing the life of H.P. Blavatsky when writing The Secret Doctrine.
BLAVATSKY AND HER TEACHERS
J. Overton Fuller.
A modern biography competently defending H.P.B. against her detractors. Contains a short summary of the contents of The Secret Doctrine
MODERN THEOSOPHY
Claude Falls Wright.
An early summary of theosophical principles by a pupil of H.P. Blavatsky. First published in 1930.
EVERYONE'S GUIDE TO THEOSOPHY
Harry Benjamin.
A popular outline of theosophical teachings. First published 1950.
THE PEOPLING OF THE EARTH
Geoffrey A. Barborka.
A concise account of the origins of mankind on Earth, taken from the Secret Doctrine