Knowledge of the Higher Worlds and Its Attainment ["The Way of Initiation" with "Initiation and its Results"]

1947 at title page. Stated at copyright page: "Authorized English translation. Copyright: Henry B. Monges, 1947. Printed in the United States of America." Dark deep blue cloth boards, stylish gilt cover titles and design, light shelf wear. No spine titles. Pages near fine, clean; no writing. Small stamp at title page below publisher detail: "Distributed by New Age Publishing Co. 1542 Glendale Blvd. Los Angeles 26, Calif." Bind fine, square; hinges intact. Rare volume of easily comprehensible and insightful concepts. Near fine scarce early printing. "There slumber in every human being faculties by means of which he can acquire for himself a knowledge of higher worlds." In this sentence with which this book begins, Rudolf Steiner distinguishes his method of spiritual training from those who regard these faculties as gifts for a select few. Steiner wants to awaken them in everyone, but only on a basis of individual freedom that consciously avoids dependence on any authority apt to arise between teacher and pupil. Steiner repeatedly warned his listeners and students to stand in their own freedom. He did not advocate altering normal consciousness for spiritual phenomenon, but rather only with healthy and normal soul conditions. He suggested that all spiritual research and schooling should awaken, strengthen, and extend one's consciousness of the 'supersensible realm' through methodical training and study. Anyone who is searching to further their inner knowledge, and experience in full consciousness, will find in this book a normal and healthy path of training devoid of pitfalls. Steiner presents in detail the means to develop a new knowledge of a world of soul and spirit. Contents: "Preface to the Edition of May, 1918; Preface to the Sixth Edition; Preface to the Third Edition; I. How Is Knowledge of the Higher Worlds Attained?; II. The Stages of Initiation; III. Some Practical Aspects; IV. The Conditions of Esoteric Training; V. Some Results of Initiation; VI. The Transformation of Dream Life; VII. The Continuity of Consciousness; VIII. The Splitting of the Human Personality during Spiritual Training; IX. The Guardian of the Threshold; X. Life and Death. The Greater Guardian of the Threshold; and, an Appendix." Printed in the United States of America. 268 pages. Insured post. Size: 8vo - over 7¾ - 9¾" Tall.…