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Duodecimo size, the first priting 53 pp., second edition 97 pp. These two volumes published by and for the Theosophical Society for the education of its members and disciples. The book provides insights into some of the basic concepts and beliefs of the society as told by one of its masters, "Hilarion", through a medium who was the author M.C. [Mabel Collins]. Collins was an important figure in the Theosophical Society during the latter part of the nineteenth century, she was a co-editor of "Lucifer" magazine with Madame Blavatsky (one of the founders) from 1887-1889 (n.b., per Wiki). The society grew worldwide with many chapters in Europe, the United States and India; the total membership is estimated at 100,000 at its peak. Some of notable individuals who had contact with the society include Thomas Edison, Arthur Conan Doyle, W.B. Yeats and Leo Tolstoy. Collins broke from the society in 1889 over teaching issues and disagreements with Blavatsky. Interestingly, Collins lived for a short time with a Robert Donston Stephenson in 1890, who was briefly considered a suspect in the "Jack The Ripper" murders (n.b., per Wiki). In the Second Edition two additional chapters were added, one entitled "Comments on Light on the Path" and the other titled "How Best to Become a Theosophist". While the First American/First Printing is scarce, the Second Edition is rare; our search of OCLC found six copies, none in RBH and none in the trade. The two are now housed in a custon clamshell box with red leather spine label. ___DESCRIPTION: First American/First Printing: Yellow cloth over boards, title and triangle symbol eminating rays in light brown to front board; duodecimo size (7" by 5"), pagination: [1-2] 3-31, [i-xxii] publisher ads. Second Edition: Light brown paper wraps, title and Theosophical Society symbol in black to front wrap; duodecimo size (7" by 4 3/4"), pagination [i] title page, [1] 2-68, [1] 2-21, [i-vii] publisher ads. ___CONDITION: Both volumes are in poor overall condition. First American/First Printing: 1/4" dark spot to top of front board, 1/2" dark stain to bottom of front board, overall soiling and, cloth loss to front joint, loss of cloth to head and tail of spine, loss of cloth on spine, rear board soiled, front hinge cracked with mull exposed, 1/2" of front board partially detached, cracked gutter at flyleaf, slight crack of rear hinge, interior pages are quite clean. Second Edition: Front wrap with significant chips missing, tape residue at spine, prior owner name and date in pencil (1891) at lower joint, front wrap is detached, no spine, no rear wrap, upper corners of first two pages missing, prior owner name, city and date to page [1], upper corner of last page of ads missing and tape residue to page. Please see the photos and inquire for additional information. ___POSTAGE: International customers, please note that additional postage may apply as the standard does not always cover costs; please inquire for details. ___Swan's Fine Books is pleased to be a member of the ABAA, ILAB, and IOBA and we stand behind every book we sell. Please contact us with any questions you may have, we are here to help. First American Editions: the First Printing [and the] Second Edition.
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