Madame Blavatsky's Baboon: A History of the Mystics, Mediums, and Misfits Who Brought Spiritualis...
Just before the turn of the century, a renegade Russian aristocrat named Madame Blavatsky came to America claiming that man was descended not from ...
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Jan 09, 2008
Lena
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This book traces the origins of the modern New Age movement through examining the lives and philosophies of its charismatic founders. Theosophy founder Madame Blavatsky was just the first of many who garnered spiritual street cred by claiming to be in contact with a secret brotherhood of ascended masters. Though there is ample evidence that Blavatsky was nothing more than a highly creative fakir, her attempt to build a new spirituality based on the common thread within all religions struck suc
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(5 people liked it)
Sep 21, 2008
Carmen
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Every once in a while I read a book that makes me wish I could sit down the the with the writer over coffee in some kind of setting which included lots of comfy couches and no distractions and have a conversation about people, history and human nature. Peter Washington writes with such a charming combination of humor, warmth and cynicism that he seems like he would be fun to hang out with.
Madame Blavatsky's Baboon covers the history of spiritualism from the early 19th century through More...
Madame Blavatsky's Baboon covers the history of spiritualism from the early 19th century through More...
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(1 person liked it)
Dec 16, 2009
Brodie
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I've only dipped into this book for background on esoteric thought and theosophy. Washington does a nice job detailing the complicated movements of many of the complicated players in his story. For instance, it must have tested his patience as a researcher and author to track Gurdjieff's career. The man made volatility and unpredictability part of his teachings. The book purports to tell the story of the rise of "western guruism" but this thread gets lost, in my opinion, amidst the
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Oct 28, 2007
Julian
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Man, I thought modern new agers were a weird lot, they ain't got nothin on the original charlatans. Interesting, extremely funny and revealing, everyone who believes that ancient wise masters are advising them from ancient Egypt should review this book carefully, and then pick a new hobby (like stamp collecting or skin popping, neither of which are as irritating or as bad for a person).
Dec 16, 2009
Matt
rated it: 
Another interesting, though sometimes long-winded, study of why reasonably intelligent people are duped into believing dumb things, and the amoral charlatans who thrive off these rubes.
Mar 07, 2008
Rachel
rated it:
According to this book, Madame Blavatsky and her ilk were a bunch of fakes and grifters. A bit of dry read, esp. since these are some colorful characters!
May 25, 2007
J
rated it:
Moderately funny confirmation that the New Age has been full of fatuous dorkuses since its inception.
Sep 22, 2010
Abbey
rated it:
A lot of it reminded me of a class on cults I took many years ago - but worth a quick skip.
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