Light of the Russian Soul: A Personal Memoir of Early Russian Theosophy

The Light of the Russian Soul is the first publication and translation of this text in English. It paints a lively picture of theosophical activities and controversies not only in Russia, but throughout Western Europe during those crucial early years. We also get brief but fascinating glimpses of Tolstoy and other leading Russian contemporaries revealing their previously unrecorded attitudes towards theosophy. This book offers theosophists new ideas for putting theosophical ideals into practice, while also offering anyone interested in Russia or Theosophy a fresh account of an important and largely overlooked movement in early 20th century Russian social and intellectual history.

About the author: Elena Pisareva(1855-1944) was a principal contributor to the theosophical movement in Russia from the 1880s through the 1920s. A talented writer and prolific translator, this is her firsthand account of how Theosophy came to Russia and developed there until the Bolshevik Revolution in 1917, after which many of the leading figures in Russian Theosophy went into exile. Highlighting the talents and energy of others, particularly the abilities of another brilliant leader of Russian theosophy, Anna Kamensky, Pisareva infuses her enthusiasm, dedication, and personal insights into this historical account. She takes us on a journey through the early years of Russian Theosophy, from her family estate in Kaluga where she and her husband hosted meetings and provided the literature that led to the remarkable accomplishments of the Russian Theosophical Society, to the ensuing frustrations of the years in exile after the society was crushed by Soviet power.