About the author
Richard Smoley is an author and philosopher focusing on the world's mystical and esoteric teachings, particularly those of Western civilization. == Early life and education == Smoley was born in Waterbury, Connecticut, in 1956. He attended the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut, and took a bachelor's degree magna cum laude in classics at Harvard University in 1978. Smoley went on to Oxford University, where in 1980, he received a second bachelor's degree from the Honour School of Literae Humaniores (in philosophy and classical literature). He received his M.A. from Oxford in 1985. While Smoley was at Oxford, he came in contact with a small group that was studying the Kabbalah, co-founded by the British Kabbalist and author Warren Kenton (Z'ev ben Shimon Halevi). Smoley subsequently started Kabbalah groups along similar lines in San Francisco, New York, and Knoxville, Tennessee, which no longer meet. As of 2023, he no longer works with students or groups. == Editorships == Smoley moved to San Francisco in 1980. In 1982 he began working for California Farmer magazine, the state's leading agricultural publication, and became managing editor in 1983.
📖 Where to start with Richard Smoley
💬 What our editors say about Richard Smoley's books
“Smoley succeeds in making once-esoteric teachings available to the modern reader through clear, accessible prose that avoids academic jargon. The revised edition effectively serves as a guide for navigating the complex lineage of…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions (Revised)
“Godwin’s narrative is remarkably accessible, weaving erudition with personal insight to illuminate the Golden Thread of Western esotericism. However, this book is not suited for those seeking rigorous academic citations or…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on The Golden Thread: The Ageless Wisdom of the Western Mystery Traditions
“Smoley successfully reimagines Christian theology by stripping away fear-based dogma to reveal a foundation of pure, unconditional love. The integration of diverse traditions like Gnosticism and Buddhism creates a rich, syncretic…”
Esoterica Books editorial team, Occult literature desk · on A Theology of Love: Reimagining Christianity Through a Course in Miracles
📋 Editions by Richard Smoley in the catalog
| Edition | Year | Publisher | Pages | ISBN |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hidden Wisdom: A Guide to the Western Inner Traditions (Revised) | — | Quest Books (IL) | 430 | 9780835608442 |
| The Golden Thread: The Ageless Wisdom of the Western Mystery Tra | 2007 | Quest Books (IL) | 212 | 9780835608602 |
| A Theology of Love: Reimagining Christianity Through a Course in | 2019 | Inner Traditions Internati | 240 | 9781620559253 |
| Supernatural: Writings on an Unknown History | 2013 | Penguin Publishing Group | 240 | 9780399161827 |
