Explorers of occult mysteries and the edges of consciousness change the way we view not only the nature of reality, but also our deepest sense of self. Insightful author Gary Lachman presents punchy, enlightening, and intriguing biographies of some of the most influential esoteric luminaries in recent history. His 16 subjects include Swedish mystical scientist Emanuel Swedenborg; H. P. Blavatsky, Russian cofounder of the Theosophical Society; Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner, who inspired the Waldorf School of education; Swiss visionary C. G. Jung, founder of depth psychology; notorious English ceremonial magician Aleister Crowley; Russian esotericist P. D. Ouspensky, explicator of Gurdjieff's early works; and British psychic artist Dion Fortune, who was influential in the modern revival of magical arts.
"Gary Lachman's new book is a delight to the reader, whether familiar with this field or new to it. Beside the 'usual suspects,' this esoteric hall of fame includes those initiators of a whole generation, Colin Wilson and James Webb, as well as some colorful newcomers. Lachman doesn't just tell us about them, but shows them reflected in his own life and mind, sharing the excitement, even trauma, o
Joscelyn Godwin, author of The Golden Thread and Atlantis and the Cycles of Time
