Critics:

Since its publication in 1888, H. P. Blavatsky's masterwork The Secret Doctrine has been a primary source book of ancient and modern theosophy. Tracing the unifying thread running through mankind's spiritual and intellectual heritage, it is one of the great seminal writings of all time.

This massive study of man, of nature, of spiritual evolution, of the essence of reality is an astonishing document. And it is not as widely known as it ought to be. The Secret Doctrine is at once a fountain of metaphysics and a science of mythology. Blavatsky synthesizes science and spirituality into an exhilarating journey of spiritual awareness. -The Book Reader, May/June 1988

This is one of the few books that humble me when I contemplate it. Rather, Madame Blavatsky's knowledge and intellect humbles me. Take just about any "newly rediscovered" esoteric topic of any worth and you will most probably find it explained in considerable detail in either this work or in Isis Unveiled. I am dismayed that so few people, or bibliographies, give credit to Madame Blavatsky or to the Theosophical Society that she founded. I guess we are too "quaint" and "old-fashion" for the "New Age."

There is just too much encyclopedic knowledge here to simply read through from scratch. You need to work up to it. Try an introductory text like Ocean of Theosophy by William Q. Judge. However, do not be afraid to pick up either volume and simply "browse." I still do this after all these years-and I am still surprised and amazed at what I find.

One further thing, there has been considerable amount of character assassination against Madame Blavatsky in the last few years. The authors that have penned these attacks have no understanding of the matters that they address. First of all, no on was a stronger critic of seances than Madame Blavatsky. Secondly, the Society has always held that one should never charge money for spiritual matters. As for the ad hominem attacks that she was grossly obese, well, this is the lowest form of slander and doesn't deserve comment. Simply take a look at any of the surviving photographs to see the truth.

Concerning attacks on Theosophical concepts such as the "seven races" and "seven globes," just keep in mind that the perennial philosophy holds that the highest part of what makes up a person pre-exists on a higher plane-and will return there after we cross over. Just remember the old gnostic concept of "seven heavens." Literalism is a mistake in theosophy, just as it has proven in fundamentalist Christianity. - S.C. Curtis, April 13, 2002

This book is the masterwork of Madame Blavatsky. Though published in 1888, in our opinion it will remain a seminal book for centuries and the basic teachings in it will provide the basis for the spiritual thought for the next 2,000 years of the Aquarian age.

This is the least expensive hardback version and a photofacimile of the original. Published by Theosophy Company.