Letters and Documents: 1901-1925

Correspondence & documents, 1901–1925 (CW 262)

“I send you fondest thoughts on your birthday. On this day I will think a lot of all the beautiful things which were, and are contained in our work together, and which now always stand so beautifully before my inner eye when I describe them. Let me assure you that I write this description with love.” ―Rudolf Steiner to Marie Steiner (March 13, 1925)

Containing all the correspondence between Rudolf and Marie Steiner to be found in their respective estates, this volume provides unique insight into the couple’s pivotal relationship. The years 1901 to 1925 were a time of struggle for Rudolf Steiner as he endeavored―faithfully supported by the young Marie von Sivers―to build a completely new spiritual movement on Earth. Their letters cover everything from the esoteric view of evolution and human advancement to dealing with organizational details, challenging personalities and, of course, their own relationship.

In addition to the correspondence included here, numerous documents have been inserted chronologically throughout the text. The “notes” written by Rudolf Steiner for Édouard Schuré, for example, provide a unique introduction to the volume, offering profound insights into the development of the anthroposophic movement. Also included are the several versions of Rudolf Steiner’s will. Comprehensive notes are provided, as well as an index of names and dates of relevant lectures and eurythmy performances.

This volume is a translation from German of Rudolf Steiner – Marie Steiner-von Sivers: Briefwechsel und Dokumente 1901-1925 (GA 262).

Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925) was born in the small village of Kraljevec, Austro-Hungarian Empire (now in Croatia), where he grew up. As a young man, he lived in Weimar and Berlin, where he became a well-published scientific, literary, and philosophical scholar, known especially for his work with Goethe's scientific writings. At the beginning of the twentieth century, he began to develop his early philosophical principles into an approach to systematic research into psychological and spiritual phenomena. Formally beginning his spiritual teaching career under the auspices of the Theosophical Society, Steiner came to use the term Anthroposophy (and spiritual science) for his philosophy, spiritual research, and findings. The influence of Steiner's multifaceted genius has led to innovative and holistic approaches in medicine, various therapies, philosophy, religious renewal, Waldorf education, education for special needs, threefold economics, biodynamic agriculture, Goethean science, architecture, and the arts of drama, speech, and eurythmy. In 1924, Rudolf Steiner founded the General Anthroposophical Society, which today has branches throughout the world. He died in Dornach, Switzerland.