Theos-Talk Archives (March 1995 Message tl00079)

SUNY just faxed me the cover design and back cover copy for my
new book.  With apologies to those who don't want to read it
[no flames please] here is the back cover stuff:

INITIATES OF THEOSOPHICAL MASTERS

K. Paul Johnson

Examines the careers of the most distinguished disciples of the
Theosophical Masters profiled in The Masters Revealed;
including George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff, Alexandra David-Neel,
Anagarika Dharmapala, and Isabelle Eberhardt.
[among 32 title characters--PJ]
     "Johnson is always interesting to read and the topic is
central to the spiritual history of the twentieth century." --
Joscelyn Godwin
     The author examines the careers of the most distinguished
disciples of the Theosophical Masters.  He begins by examining
the concept of initiation promoted by the Theosophical
movement's founders.  Each section investigates a separate
category of initiates, focusing consecutively on Hindus,
Muslims and Baha'is, Buddhists, and Western female occultists.
     More than just a study of Theosophy, this book explores
many related developments in political and religious history.
Among the figures it illumines in new ways are Anagarika
Dharmapala, Alexandra David-Neel, George Ivanovitch Gurdjieff,
and Isabelle Eberhardt.  Its approach brings needed objectivity
and balance to a topic too long mythologized by cultists and
ignored by scholars.
     "What I like most about the book is that Johnson is
covering new territory.  Moreover, he is grounding Theosophical
claims in actual history.  There is no question in my mind that
Johnson's studies-- this one in particular-- will become the
benchmark by which other works in Theosophy will be
appraised."-- David Christopher Lane
     "This is a valuable exploration of the spiritual impact of
Theosophy on individual seekers and activists.  The author
largely avoids the well-trodden areas such as the Irish
literary renaissance, and the early Krishnamurti saga, to
follow new trajectories, such as the detailed
Gurdjieff-Blavatsky comparison."-- Leslie Price