Nicholas and Helena Roerich: The Spiritual Journey of Two Great Artists and Peacemakers

by Ruth A. Drayer

In her latest title, Ruth Drayer provides a factual account of the two Russian visionaries who believed beauty could solve the world's problems and unify humanity. Partners in all things, charismatic Nicholas (1874-1947) was an internationally acclaimed artist, author, daring explorer, conservationist, archeologist, humanitarian and peacemaker, while his wife, Helena (1879 - 1955), was a teacher and healer as well as the inspired co-author of the 'Agni Yoga' series. This is the first book in English to interweave the Agni Yoga writings and the Roerichs' relationship with their spiritual teacher in with their fascinating travels, disclosing the long-hidden story of the Roerichs' connection with Tibetan Buddhism. Though it may read like a tale, Drayer takes us on the real-life adventures of the Roerichs as they travel to the most remote and dangerous regions of India, China, Mongolia, the Gobi, Tibet and Siberia. We bear witness as the couple flees the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 Russia and as they arrive in New York City in the fall of 1920 where they later founded the first school that teaches all of the arts under one roof. We experience their trials and tribulations as the Roerichs trek through the following years.

Genres: Art, Religion, Biography, Asia, Russia

381 pages, Paperback

First published November 22, 2005

Reviews

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a beautiful tribute to these two spiritual leaders. I loved them before, but so much more now! I learned a ton about them with this book! Now I am ready to read Sina Fosdick's book, "My Teachers," another about the Roerichs.

[Katy Peterson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative biography giving Helena the credit she deserves

[David · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ms. Drayer's biography of the Nicholas and Helena Roerich might, generously, be called heroic and spiritual.

There is very little deep analysis of historical context, psychologies, or geopolitics, all of which play key roles in this kind of biography. As well, there was little by way of art history critique which would have enlivened the biography.

For the most part, Drayer's book is a biographical travelogue...the Roerich's go here and do this; then go there and do that. As books go, this was a disappoint but not a terrible effort.

Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars