Tag Archives: novelist

Bulwer-Lytton

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Occult Personality

John S. Moore

Bulwer-Lytton Occult Personality
John S. Moore
ISBN: 9781906958855, 166pp/bw & full colour illustrations.
£20+p&p / US$26.00+p&p

Click HERE for the UK edition

Click HERE for the USA & Elsewhere
—
Edward Bulwer, Lord Lytton, once the most successful novelist in the English speaking world, now unfairly neglected and even derided, was also the central figure in the underground culture of magic and the occult. With his esoteric studies he built a reputation for deep learning in the history and philosophy of this alternative tradition, as well as passing for an adept in his own right. His creative influence, especially through his occult fiction, was surprisingly far reaching.

The book sets the achievement of this nineteenth century magus into a large historical context, exploring the intellectual and other influences on him as well as movements he inspired. Some chapters discuss aspects of Bulwer’s life, while some explore people and ideas that influenced him and others those he influenced. His seminal role in several cultural movements has been largely forgotten, not least in his home country. This book offers an often unfamiliar perspective on the Victorian era and hopefully succeeds in provoking some questions about our own times.


With Bulwer as its focus, and employing a wealth of illustrations, it manages to provide a whirlwind tour of much occult and esoteric culture, from Iamblichus to Symbolist art and literature, Theosophy and modern psychedelia.

Watch John Moore’s presentation of Bulwer-Lytton Occult Personality
on YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iufOV7EmT0Y&feature=youtu.be

Mystical Vampire

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The Life and Works of Mabel Collins
Kim Farnell

Mystical Vampire
The Life & Works of Mabel Collins
Kim Farnell
Format: Softcover
ISBN: 9781869928858
£15.00/US$26
Subjects: Biography/Theosophical History

Click HERE for the UK edition

Click HERE for USA & Worldwide

Mystical Vampire introduces a cast of remarkable characters:

  • Mabel Collins: Theosophist, novelist, fashion columnist, journalist, and anti-vivisection campaigner.
  • Madame Blavatsky: The extraordinary and influential Russian occultist and author, along with other eminent members of her Theosophical Society.
  • Annie Besant: Social reformer and Theosophist.
  • Robert Donston Stephenson: A suspect for Jack the Ripper and Mabel’s lover.
  • Frances Power Cobbe: Social reformer, suffragist, and anti-vivisection campaigner.
  • Charlotte Despard: Social reformer and anti-vivisection campaigner.

In the oppressive Victorian climate, Mabel Collins stood out as an independent woman. Known for her best-selling mystical text, Light On The Path, published by the Theosophical Society, Mabel’s life took a dramatic turn after her fallout with Madame Blavatsky. She continued her journey as an esotericist, traveller, and writer, passionately advocating for the abolition of vivisection and the welfare of helpless creatures.

***

‘”I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Victorian society and the off-beat origins of many influential institutions on our lives today. Mystical Vampire presents fascinating ideas, such as the possibility of Annie Besant and Helena Blavatsky being more than just friends, making it a worthwhile investment. For Ripperologists, the sections on Collins and Stephenson alone are worth the price of the book, and there may be other gems in there, so it’s worth buying. Few books are as well-referenced and footnoted as this one, and Ms. Farnell has done an excellent job on her subject, Minna Mabel Collins.” – Howard Brown, Casebook: Jack The Ripper, the Web’s largest Jack The Ripper public archive www.casebook.org

”Kim Farnell has done devotees of gaslight and mediums a service in bringing Mabel’s world back to life.” – Gary Lachman – The Independent On Sunday.