This peer-reviewed study represents a culmination of years of research into the history of the Theosophical Society. In this unique project which combines biographies with source analyses, Jeffrey D. Lavoie records a detailed history of the early Theosophical Society and examines its relationship with the modern Spiritualist movement between the years 1875-1891. Special attention has been paid to some of the neglected figures associated with these organizations including Arthur Lillie- the Gnostic-occultist and early critic of the Theosophical Society; the Davenport Brothers- the Spiritualist mediums who developed many of the standard elements which became associated with modern Spiritualism; Alfred Wallace- the prominent scientist, Spiritualist, and supposed member of the Theosophical Society and many others. This work will appeal to a wide array of readers including those interested in modern religious movements, Western Esotericism, South Asian history, and Victorian studies.

"The Key to Theosophy" is a detailed exposition of the "ethics, science, and philosophy" of the Theosophical Society, written by one if its founding members, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky. Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (12 August 1831 - 8 May 1891) was a Russian spirit medium, occultist, and author. She co-founded the Theosophical Society in 1875 and gained international popularity for being the leading theoretician of Theosophy. This book will appeal to those with an interest in the Theosophical Society, and it is not to be missed by collectors of vintage occult literature. Contents include: "Theosophy and the Theosophical Society", "The Meaning of the Name", "The Policy of the Theosophical Society", "The Wisdom-Religion Esoteric in all Ages", "Theosophy is not Buddhism", "Exoteric and Esoteric Theosophy", "What the Modern Theosophy Society is not", "Theosophists and the Members of the 'T.S.'", etc. We are republishing this volume now in an affordable, modern, high-quality edition complete with a specially commissioned new biography of the author.