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Bygone Beliefs: Being a Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought — Occult Philosophy

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Bygone Beliefs: Being a Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought

Name: Bygone Beliefs: Being a Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought
Price: 33.95 USD
Availability: InStock
ISBN: 9781498012041

✍️ Redgrove, H Stanley

Reader Score

4.6

(1 review)

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📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1920 collection of essays on occult history and mystical thought by H Stanley Redgrove.

Redgrove examines historical shifts in spiritual belief through a series of connected essays. The work analyzes how psychic phenomena were understood in the early twentieth century. It connects literary traditions with broader historical contexts to explain the persistence of certain esoteric ideas. The text avoids modern interpretation, presenting the original arguments and observations as they appeared in 1920. This approach provides a direct look at the intellectual frameworks used by writers of that period to discuss the unseen world.

Key Themes

occult history psychic phenomena mystical traditions

Literary Context

Published in 1920, this work reflects early twentieth-century interest in esotericism. It sits within the tradition of literary essays exploring spiritual history. The book captures the intellectual mood of its time regarding mind and spirit.

Redgrove, H Stanley

📚 all books by this author (5) →

Difficulty

●● Medium

Recommended For Fans Of

Arthur Edward Waite · G.R.S. Mead · Theosophical Society literature · Early 20th-century occult essays

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Occult Philosophy

🏛 Literary Licensing, LLC 📅 2014 📖 282 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9781498012041

Fun Fact

Redgrove’s "Bygone Beliefs" is a masterful intellectual tapestry, offering insightful historical analysis of spiritual and psychic thought. It excels in contextualizing obscure philosophies, providing rich background for understanding esoteric ideas. However, those seeking a prescriptive magical guide or purely academic dissertation might find its essayistic nature less direct. It stands as an indispensable resource for intellectual history of the occult.

📝 Description: Bygone Beliefs: Being a Series of Excursions in the Byways of Thought

H Stanley Redgrove presents a collection of essays in Bygone Beliefs, originally published in 1920 and now available in a new paperback edition. The text explores various byways of thought, focusing on mind, body, and spirit alongside psychic phenomena. It draws upon general literary collections and historical essays to examine the evolution of mystical ideas. Redgrove, known for his work in occult and esoteric literature, guides the reader through these intellectual excursions with a scholarly yet accessible tone. The book covers subjects ranging from ancient traditions to contemporary spiritual practices of its time. It utilizes sources from general history and literary criticism to contextualize beliefs that have faded or transformed over centuries. The organization follows a series of distinct essays, each addressing a specific aspect of thought and belief systems. Readers will find discussions on how past ideas influence current understanding of the mystical world. This volume suits those interested in the historical development of occultism and witchcraft traditions. It appeals to scholars of early twentieth-century spiritual literature and collectors of vintage esoteric texts. It may not satisfy readers seeking practical ritual instructions or modern astrological charts. The content remains rooted in its 1920 origins, offering a window into the intellectual climate of that era without updating its perspectives for contemporary audiences.

💎 Expert review

“

💎

Esoterica Books editorial team

Occult literature desk

Redgrove provides a meticulous examination of diverse spiritual systems, making this a compelling resource for history buffs and esoteric enthusiasts alike. The essays are engaging and well-researched, offering a clear window into the byways of thought that often go unnoticed in mainstream discourse. However, this book is not suitable for readers seeking practical magical instruction or dogmatic religious doctrine. It may also disappoint those who prefer concise, direct arguments over expansive historical context. Those looking for modern interpretations of spirituality might find the early 20th-century perspective somewhat dated. Ultimately, it is a niche work best appreciated by those with a specific interest in the intellectual history of the occult.

✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

Readers with a deep fascination for the unseen and the unexplained will find profound value in this text. It serves as an ideal companion for those who feel drawn to the less-traveled paths of human consciousness and spiritual inquiry. If you are intrigued by psychic phenomena, ancient mysticism, or the evolution of esoteric trends, this collection offers a captivating intellectual expedition. It is particularly suited for individuals who appreciate scholarly yet engaging narratives that uncover the wisdom of bygone ages without requiring prior expertise. You will gain a broader understanding of how these obscure philosophies have shaped our collective spiritual heritage.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —

⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5

★★★★★

If you're drawn to the hidden histories of occult thought, curious about the roots of modern spiritualism, or enjoy scholarly essays illuminating forgotten intellectual paths, this volume is an essential addition. Prepare to expand your understanding of human belief.

Reader rating

4.6

Based on 1 reviews

Esoterica Books editorial team

Redgrove provides a meticulous examination of diverse spiritual systems, making this a compelling resource for history buffs and esoteric enthusiasts alike. The essays are engaging and well-researched, offering a clear window into the byways of thought that often go unnoticed in mainstream discourse. However, this book is not suitable for readers seeking practical magical instruction or dogmatic religious doctrine. It may also disappoint those who prefer concise, direct arguments over expansive historical context. Those looking for modern interpretations of spirituality might find the early 20th-century perspective somewhat dated. Ultimately, it is a niche work best appreciated by those with a specific interest in the intellectual history of the occult.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While deeply rooted in historical analysis, "Bygone Beliefs" primarily functions as an intellectual exploration of past esoteric ideas. It provides a rich context for understanding the origins of many occult concepts but does not present step-by-step practical magical instructions.

Redgrove writes with an engaging, essayistic style that makes complex historical and philosophical concepts approachable. While scholarly in its research, the book's "excursions" are designed to be thought-provoking and readable for anyone with an interest in esoteric history.

📖 Who should read this

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Historical Esoteric Exploration

Redgrove meticulously unearths forgotten spiritual systems and philosophical currents from various historical periods. He presents these "bygone beliefs" not as mere curiosities, but as vital threads in the tapestry of human intellectual development, inviting readers to understand their context and enduring influence on modern esoteric traditions.

Psychic Phenomena Investigation

The book dedicates significant attention to the historical understanding and interpretation of psychic abilities and paranormal occurrences. Redgrove investigates early scientific and philosophical attempts to categorize and explain phenomena like telepathy, clairvoyance, and spiritual communication, situating them within the broader intellectual landscape of their time.

Evolution of Consciousness

Through examining diverse belief systems, Redgrove implicitly traces humanity's evolving understanding of mind, body, and spirit. He showcases how different cultures and eras grappled with fundamental questions of existence, consciousness, and the unseen realms, revealing a continuous human quest for deeper spiritual insight.

📜 Historical context

Published in 1920, Redgrove's work emerges from a fertile period for esoteric inquiry, following the late 19th-century spiritualist revival and pre-dating the New Age movement. It bridges earlier scholarly investigations into occultism with a growing public interest in psychic phenomena, positioning itself as a vital document reflecting the early 20th century's intellectual curiosity about the unseen.

📚 Glossary

Psychic Phenomena
Esoteric Traditions
Spiritualism

📔 Questions to reflect on

What "bygone belief" from history, whether spiritual or scientific, do you feel deserves re-evaluation in our modern context, and why?
How might understanding historical perspectives on "mind, body, spirit" alter or deepen your own contemporary spiritual or philosophical outlook?
Consider a current "fringe" or unconventional belief. How might future generations view it through the lens of historical inquiry, similar to Redgrove's approach?