There is a very wide literature covering the subjects touched
on in the foregoing articles but it is suggested that the writings of H.P.
Blavatsky be taken to be the most informative and authoritative that are
available. Her knowledge was from two sources, her Initiate Teachers and
her own knowledge.
BOOKS BY H.P. BLAVATSKY
For the writings of H. P. Blavatsky see: The Publications of H.P. Blavatsky (HPB)
OTHER BOOKS CONSISTENT WITH H.P.BLAVATSKY'S WRITINGS
1. THE MAHATMA LETTERS TO A.P.SINNETT : 1923; first published by Rider
& Co., London; 500 pages.
This is a volume of letters received from H.P.B.'s two initiate Teachers,
in answer to questions put to them mostly by A.P. Sinnett with some by
A.O. Hume. The letters contain much metaphysical and philosophical teaching
in the occult tradition, among material relating to the early days of
the Theosophical Society and the people in or associated with it. Many
aspects of the teaching, among them those relating to the after-death
states, are unique, having been kept secret up to that time. This is a
book essential to any serious student of modern Occultism. It is the source
of the main principles of the subject given and elaborated in H.P.B.'s
2. TRANSACTIONS OF THE BLAVATSKY LODGE : Theosophical University Press,
A collection of notes, in question and answer form, taken at a series
of meetings of the Lodge in the first six months of 1889, when H.P.B.
3. FOUNDATIONS OF ESOTERIC PHILOSOPHY : from the writings of H.P. Blavatsky;
compiled by I.H. Hoskins; The Theosophical Publishing House, London; 66
pages including a glossary and as an appendix THE SECRET DOCTRINE AND
This booklet is a compilation from The Secret Doctrine and Isis Unveiled,
of excerpts which summarize the principal aspects of the great teaching.
4. MADAME BLAVATSKY ON HOW TO STUDY THEOSOPHY : The Theosophical Publishing
House; 15 pages.
This is a booklet, often referred to as the 'Bowen Notes', containing
material written down by Robert Bowen from talks which Madame Blavatsky
gave to those near her during the close of her life. The content is in
the form of important hints to students.
5. DEITY, COSMOS AND MAN : G.A. Farthing
A summary of the teachings in the classical literature with many references,
glossary and index.
As an aid to getting a feeling for the subject and obtaining a perspective
view of H.P.B. in the setting of contemporary life, of her character and
of the enormous and distressing difficulties she encountered but largely
overcame, readers are recommended to read one or two of the reliable biographies
BOOKS BY HER CONTEMPORARIES
My Guest - H.P. Blavatsky : Francesca Arundale
Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky : Bertram Keightley
Incidents in the Life of Madame Blavatsky : A.P. Sinnett
Reminiscences of H.P. Blavatsky and the Secret Doctrine :
BOOKS BY LATER BIOGRAPHERS
The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky
[comprehensive and definitive] : Sylvia Cranston
Blavatsky and Her Teachers : Jean Overton Fuller
When Daylight Comes : Howard Murphet
Personal Memoirs of H.P. Blavatsky : Mary K. Neff
<back to Introduction
The Blavatsky Trust 2003
reproduced from 'A Trilogy' by G.A Farthing