Gerald Heard

Gerald Heard (1889-1971), author, philosopher, lecturer, and historian of consciousness and its evolution, took honors in history at the University of Cambridge. He began lecturing at Oxford University in the 1920s. Heard's 1929 book The Ascent of Humanity won the British Academy's prestigious Hertz Prize. From 1930 to 1934 he served as the BBC's first science commentator, receiving accolades from H. G. Wells.

In 1937 Heard came to the United States, accompanied by Aldous Huxley. In the 1940s he founded and directed Trabuco College, which advanced comparative-religious studies and practices. In the 1950s his main activities were writing, lecturing, and occasional TV and radio appearances. Heard lectured at most major colleges and universities in the United States. Heard's broad philosophical themes and scintillating oratorical style attracted and influenced many people, including Huxley and Huston Smith. His visionary work earned him the title, "true grandfather of the New Age."

A prolific writer, Heard penned some 38 books, including his pioneering philosophical works (Pain, Sex and Time; The Five Ages of Man [newly revised and retitled as The Five Ages of Humanity]), several popular devotional books (The Creed of Christ; Training for the Life of the Spirit), and, as H. F. Heard, a number of mysteries (A Taste for Honey; The Great Fog). For more information, visit the Gerald Heard Official Website.