INFORMATION & BOOK LIST
There are many good places online to find Theosophical books at affordable prices. In almost every case the most inexpensive source is the United Lodge of Theosophists and the various websites associated with it, such as http://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk (see https://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ULT_Book_Price_List_UK_Jan_2022.pdf) in the UK and http://www.theosophycompany.org for the USA and elsewhere.
You may be able to find books most inexpensively by contacting your nearest ULT Lodge direct. The page Theosophy around the World provides these contact details.
In response to requests for recommended books for the newcomer to Theosophy, we would recommend the following few books to begin with, possibly to be read in this order:
* The Ocean of Theosophy by William Q. Judge
or if one is completely new to Theosophical concepts and metaphysics, Universal Theosophy by Robert Crosbie and Echoes from The Orient by William Q. Judge and then “The Ocean of Theosophy”
* The Key to Theosophy by H. P. Blavatsky
* Answers to Questions on The Ocean of Theosophy by Robert Crosbie (either alongside or after “The Ocean of Theosophy”)
* HPB: The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky by Sylvia Cranston
The following is a complete listing of all the books currently available from the ULT in London, England. Many pamphlets and leaflets, not listed here, are also available. For ordering information please click here and contact the London ULT direct. We used to list the prices on this page but as these change from time to time we no longer do so; instead, one can see the current prices by going direct to the newest London ULT price list linked to above. As mentioned above, if you are outside of the UK, it will often be less expensive and easier to order direct from a ULT Lodge more local to you; this will often save a very large amount on airmail costs, especially if placing a big order. If in the USA, we recommend contacting Theosophy Company (linked to above) directly. They are connected with the Parent ULT Lodge in Los Angeles, California, and are the main publisher and distributor of most of the books listed below.
BOOKS BY H. P. BLAVATSKY
Isis Unveiled
(A Master Key to the Mysteries of Ancient and Modern Science and Theology)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1877 edition, two volumes (“Science” and “Theology”) bound in one.
The Secret Doctrine
(The Synthesis of Science, Religion, and Philosophy)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1888 edition, two volumes (“Cosmogenesis” and “Anthropogenesis”) bound in one.
The Key to Theosophy
(A Clear Exposition, in Question and Answer, of the Ethics, Science, and Philosophy of Theosophy)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1889 edition and Paperback Indian edition
The Voice of the Silence
(From the Book of the Golden Precepts, for the daily use of Lanoos (Disciples), translated and annotated by “H.P.B.”)
2017 Hardback facsimile of the original 1889 edition, Hardback American edition, as published in 1893 by William Q. Judge, including the Stanzas of Dzyan, and Paperback Indian edition
Theosophical Glossary
(A-Z definitions, explanations, and illuminating clarifications of all the major words and terms used in the teachings of Theosophy, along with hundreds of other philosophical and esoteric terms from the Sanskrit, Tibetan, Chinese, Greek, Hebrew, etc.)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1892 edition and Paperback Indian edition
Transactions of the Blavatsky Lodge
(HPB’s answers to questions on the Cosmogenesis teachings of “The Secret Doctrine,” including a section on the true nature and metaphysics of Dreams)
Hardback
Five Messages from H. P. Blavatsky to the American Theosophists
(Advice, guidance, warnings, and prophetic insight on the mission, work, and responsibility of Theosophists and the Theosophical Movement)
Paperback
Raja Yoga, or Occultism
(Selection of 18 articles by HPB: Chelas and Lay Chelas, “The Theosophical Mahatmas”, Practical Occultism, Occultism versus the Occult Arts, Lodges of Magic, What of Phenomena?, Psychic and Noetic Action, Thoughts on the Elementals, Elementals, Chinese Spirits, Ancient Magic in Modern Science, Animated Statues, The Science of Magic, The Search After Occultism, Dialogues on Astral Bodies or Doppelgangers, Dialogue on the Constitution of the Inner Man and Its Division, Hypnotism, Indian Days: A Dialogue of Life and Death)
Paperback Indian edition
Index volume to The Secret Doctrine
Hardback
Theosophical Articles by H. P. Blavatsky
(Compilation in 3 volumes of 165 of HPB’s most important articles)
Three hardback volumes
H. P. Blavatsky Daily Quotation Book
Paperback
A Modern Panarion
(Assorted articles and writings, particularly from the earliest days of the Theosophical Movement and even before)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1895 edition
Theosophy: Some Rare Perspectives
(Compilation of 12 little known but important articles, not included in the 3 volume set)
Paperback
The “Secret Doctrine” Dialogues
(“H. P. Blavatsky talks with Students,” the complete unedited transcripts of HPB’s own answers to students in Blavatsky Lodge meetings about the teachings of “The Secret Doctrine”)
Hardback (published 2014)
The “Secret Doctrine” Extracts
(2017 publication of the most important sections of Vol. 1 “Cosmogenesis” of “The Secret Doctrine”)
Paperback
BOOKS BY WILLIAM Q. JUDGE
The Ocean of Theosophy
(A clear and comprehensive overview of Theosophy and its fundamental teachings in 17 concise chapters: 1. Theosophy and The Masters 2. General Principles 3. The Earth Chain 4. Septenary Constitution of Man 5. Body and Astral Body 6. Kama – Desire 7. Manas 8. Of Reincarnation 9. Reincarnation Continued 10. Arguments supporting Reincarnation 11. Karma 12. Kama Loka 13. Devachan 14. Cycles 15. Differentiation of Species – Missing Links 16. Psychic Laws, Forces, and Phenomena 17. Psychic Phenomena and Spiritualism)
Hardback American edition and Paperback Indian edition
Letters That Have Helped Me
(Inspirational letters of instruction, guidance, and comfort, sent by Mr Judge to Theosophists around the world. American edition includes 10 of his spiritual stories or “occult tales.”)
Hardback American edition, containing Books I, II, & III and Paperback Indian edition, containing Books I, II, & III
The Bhagavad Gita (rendition)
Hardback American edition and Hardback Indian edition
Notes on the Bhagavad Gita (with Robert Crosbie)
Hardback American edition and Indian edition
The Yoga Aphorisms of Patanjali (interpretation with commentary)
Hardback American edition and Paperback Indian edition
An Epitome of Theosophy
Paperback
Echoes from The Orient
Paperback Indian edition
Forum Answers
(Answers to many questions on all aspects of Theosophical teachings)
Hardback
Theosophical Articles by William Q. Judge
(Compilation in 2 volumes of 270 of WQJ’s most important articles)
Two hardback volumes
William Q. Judge Daily Quotation Book
Paperback
Two Replies by William Q. Judge (on “The Judge Case”)
Paperback
Vernal Blooms
(Selection of articles) Paperback Indian edition
The Heart Doctrine
(Selection of articles) Paperback Indian edition
The Scope of Reincarnation
(Extracts from “The Ocean of Theosophy”) Paperback
BOOKS BY ROBERT CROSBIE
The Friendly Philosopher
(Letters and Talks on Theosophy and the Theosophical Life)
Hardback
Answers to Questions on “The Ocean of Theosophy”
Paperback
Notes on the Bhagavad Gita (with William Q. Judge – see above)
Hardback American edition and Indian edition
Universal Theosophy
(Compilation of 30 articles, also included in “The Friendly Philosopher”: The Foundation of Religion, Our God and Other Gods, The Kingly Mystery, The Recognition of Law, The Origin of Evil, What Reincarnates?, Real Memory, The Cause of Sorrow, What Survives after Death?, Can the Dead Communicate?, Sleep and Dreams, Instinct and Intuition, The Creative Will, Man Visible and Invisible, Renunciation of Action, The Law of Correspondences, Culture of Concentration, Mental Healing and Hypnosis, The Occult Side of Nature, A League of Humanity, New Year’s Resolutions, Occult Knowledge, The Power of Suggestion, True Clairvoyance, True Morality, The Storehouse of Thought, The Language of the Soul, Theosophy in Daily Life, Three Kinds of Faith, Planetary Influences)
Paperback
Robert Crosbie Daily Quotation Book
Paperback
BOOKS BY B. P. WADIA
Studies in “The Secret Doctrine”
Paperback
Some Observations on the Study of “The Secret Doctrine”
Paperback
Studies in “The Voice of the Silence”
Paperback
Living the Life
Paperback
The Building of the Home
Paperback (Note: A few of the articles in this pamphlet contain questionable and outdated ideas about the role and status of women, ideas which are not in harmony with H. P. Blavatsky’s statements and attitudes on this subject.)
The Zoroastrian Philosophy and Way of Life
Paperback
The Gandhian Way
(partly included in “Thus Have I Heard”)
Paperback
Thus Have I Heard
(Compilation of over 100 short articles from “The Aryan Path” magazine, under the topics of Shri Krishna’s Message, Lord Buddha’s Teachings, Thus Spake Zarathushtra, Nativity of Jesus and his Doctrines, Ancient Philosophy, Karma and Reincarnation, Divine Discipline, Oriental Psychology, Universal Ethics, Some Noble Lives, The Gandhian Way, and Social Reforms)
Paperback or Hardback
All B. P. Wadia books are published by the United Lodge of Theosophists in India and some may not be easily available within the USA.
To All Fellow Theosophists and Members of The Theosophical Society
(Statement explaining his reasons for leaving “The Theosophical Society – Adyar” and joining the United Lodge of Theosophists, also online here)
Pamphlet – not listed on London ULT price list due to limited availability, please contact the Lodge if interested.
OTHER BOOKS
HPB: The Extraordinary Life and Influence of Helena Blavatsky by Sylvia Cranston
(This is the definitive, most complete, and most highly respected biography of HPB ever written.)
Paperback and Hardback
The Theosophical Movement 1875-1950
(A “biography” of the Theosophical Movement, first published in 1951, providing an accurate and unbiased overview of the major events and developments from the earliest days of the Theosophical Society through to the time the book was written.)
Hardback
Reincarnation: A New Horizon in Science, Religion, and Society by Sylvia Cranston
Hardback
Reincarnation: The Phoenix Fire Mystery (An Anthology of World Thought) by Sylvia Cranston
Hardback
Light on the Path
(Transcribed by Mabel Collins from the Master Hilarion)
Paperback
The Dhammapada
(The most well known Buddhist scripture, containing the foundational teachings and precepts of Gautama Buddha)
Paperback American edition and Paperback Indian edition
The Light of Asia by Sir Edwin Arnold
(A poetic account of the life and teachings of Buddha)
Hardback American edition and Paperback Indian edition
Selections from the Upanishads and Tao Te King
(The Upanishads are from Charles Johnston’s translations and the Tao is from that by Lionel Giles)
Hardback American edition and Paperback Indian edition
Through the Gates of Gold by Mabel Collins
Paperback
The Dream of Ravan
(First published anonymously in Ireland in the early 1850s, this unique exposition of the esoteric side of the Ramayana and Hindu philosophy in general is thought by some Theosophists to have been written by the Master K.H.)
Paperback
Five Years of Theosophy
(A collection of articles from the first five years of “The Theosophist” magazine in India, writers including H. P. Blavatsky, T. Subba Row, Damodar K. Mavalankar, and Mohini M. Chatterjee)
Hardback facsimile of the original 1885 edition
Theosophical Articles and Notes
(A collection of articles, writings, and comments, from various sources including H. P. Blavatsky, William Q. Judge, and Letters from the Mahatmas)
Hardback
The Tell-Tale Picture Gallery
(Compilation of occult stories by H. P. Blavatsky and W. Q. Judge)
Paperback
The Brotherhood of Religions by Sophia Wadia
Paperback
THEOSOPHY FOR CHILDREN
The Eternal Verities – For Old Souls in Young Bodies
Paperback
“Because” – For the Children who ask Why
Paperback
Teacher’s Manual and Guide to the Eternal Verities
Hardback
OTHER RECOMMENDED BOOKS, AVAILABLE FROM OTHER SOURCES
The Letters of H. P. Blavatsky to A. P. Sinnett – transcribed and compiled by A. Trevor Barker
From the Caves and Jungles of Hindostan – H. P. Blavatsky (HPB’s fascinating and entertaining Indian travelogue)
Index volume to “The Secret Doctrine” – 1997 publication by Theosophical University Press (much more extensive and useful than the Theosophy Company index volume)
Gems from The East – compiled by H. P. Blavatsky (a daily quotation book derived mainly from Oriental sources, first published in 1890)
Reminiscences of H. P. Blavatsky and “The Secret Doctrine” – Countess Wachtmeister
The Gupta Vidya (3 Volumes: “God, Nature and Man,” “The Golden Thread,” “The Pilgrimage of Humanity,” a separate index volume also available; this contains the majority of articles written by Raghavan Iyer, 1930-1995, an influential but to some extent controversial figure in the United Lodge of Theosophists; many of the articles will aid serious and deep study of “The Secret Doctrine”) – Raghavan N. Iyer (in print, published by Theosophy Trust)
The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali (a textually accurate translation and explanatory articles) – Raghavan N. Iyer (in print, published by Theosophy Trust)
The Bhagavad Gita (one of the most accurate literal translations that has been made, complete with verse numbering – which, although traditionally done, is absent from the William Judge rendition – plus Sanskrit transliteration and a relevant accompanying quotation from the world’s spiritual literature for each of the 700 verses) – translated and edited by Raghavan N. Iyer (out of print but some copies still available from Concord Grove Press, connected with the Santa Barbara ULT)
The Jewel in The Lotus (a vast collection of readings, quotations, passages, and excerpts, from the world’s religious, mystical, and poetic literature, designed to inspire and to aid meditative reflection, etc.) – compiled and edited by Raghavan N. Iyer (out of print but some copies may still be available from Concord Grove Press, connected with the Santa Barbara ULT)
Notes on the Bhagavad Gita – T. Subba Row
T. Subba Row Collected Writings (2 Volumes – compiled and annotated by Henk J. Spierenburg)
The Doctrine of the Bhagavad Gita – Bhavani Shankar
Damodar and the Pioneers of the Theosophical Movement – compiled by Sven Eek
The Judge Case – Ernest Pelletier
The Theosophical Movement 1875-1925 (a lengthier and earlier version of the 1950 edition listed above)
From The Book of Images and The Book of Confidences – Dhan Gargya (John Garrigues)
Point Out The Way (A Student’s Example) – questions and answers (by John Garrigues) from “Ocean of Theosophy” classes at the United Lodge of Theosophists
4 DVDs produced by The Blavatsky Trust, UK: The Life of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky (drama-documentary film), What Happens When We Die, Theosophy for Everyone, Religion for Our Time
MAGAZINES AND PURCHASING ADVICE
Many books can also be read online (in html, often not proofread) at the ULT Phoenix site at http://www.phx-ult-lodge.org/ and in (mostly carefully proofread and nicely formatted) PDF at https://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/books/.
The latest issue and many previous issues of the monthly magazine “The Theosophical Movement” (ULT India) can be read online at http://www.ultindia.org/previous_issues.html. The latest issue of the quarterly magazine “Vidya” (ULT Santa Barbara) can be read online at https://theosophysb.org/vidya. Many articles from old issues of “Theosophy” Magazine (ULT Los Angeles) can be read online at https://blavatsky.net/Wisdomworld/index.php. The quarterly “Theosophical Notes” Newsletter (temporarily discontinued, from the ULT in London, England) can be read online at https://www.theosophy-ult.org.uk/news/.
We strongly advise against buying abridged, abbreviated, or edited versions of books by H. P. Blavatsky, unless these are for some reason your only present option. If HPB had intended for her books to be shorter then she would have made them shorter . . . but she didn’t. The reader of abridged and altered books has no way of knowing exactly what details and content they’re missing out on. It has often been found that the people who presumptuously assume the role of “editor” of HPB’s works tend to edit out anything with which they do not personally agree or which they don’t personally like very much, thus leading to a distorted and incomplete end result. There is nothing which is actually inconsequential or outdated in the writings of HPB, as those who have studied them in the form that she originally wrote them will unhesitatingly affirm. All of it is still very relevant today and some of it even more so than when originally written.
In 99% of cases we do not support or endorse the work of the Theosophical Publishing House (TPH), which is the publishing branch of “The Theosophical Society – Adyar.” That Society has a long history of publishing deliberately distorted and altered texts (please see the article The “Third Volume” of The Secret Doctrine for a case in point) and today only publishes a very incomplete selection of HPB’s books – most of which have been highly edited and abridged – and also at least one book which they claim to have been written by HPB but which was largely written by someone else and which presents a distinctly different view of Theosophy than HPB’s genuine writings.
When it comes to purchasing a copy of “The Secret Doctrine,” the only entirely unaltered and verbatim editions of the original text published today are those published by Theosophy Company and Theosophical University Press. These are available at more or less the same price as one another, the only real difference between the two being that the Theosophy Company edition contains both volumes bound together in one big book while the Theosophical University Press edition publishes them as two separate books but which are sold together. The unaltered original is also now published by Theosophy Trust but with different page numbering and layout than the other two editions just referred to.
T H E O S O P H Y 
I own a first American Edition of The Secret Doctrine by H.P. Blavatsky book 1888. Can u tell me what the value or how much would it be worth today.
Hello Rickey, it would be hard to say how much it might be worth.
It’s quite a rare artefact but because “The Secret Doctrine” itself is not a rare book but is still constantly in print and in demand today, there aren’t likely to be many people wanting to purchase a first edition from 1888.
A mere estimate is that it could possibly be worth a few hundred dollars (presuming you’re in the USA?) but not more than this and it would probably be difficult to find someone willing to pay that for it.
The first editions of “The Secret Doctrine” or any other book by H.P. Blavatsky are only particularly valuable if signed by the author. Such signed copies are extremely rare (the only ones I know of are on Theosophical premises) and would probably be worth a few thousand dollars, perhaps even more.
Any thoughts on the 14 volume set of “Collected Writings of H. P. Blavatsky” that was compiled by Boris de Zirkoff?
Unfortunately, the “Collected Writings” volumes contain numerous alterations from the original texts. The chief compiler and editor was the late Boris de Zirkoff, as you mention, who was a great-nephew of HPB but who seemingly thought that he knew better than her in regard to numerous matters of fact and detail.
Since they were published, de Zirkoff has been shown to have been too hasty in some of his “corrections” and annotations to the writings of his relative. Where he has “corrected” her, altered sentences, and added footnotes stating that she was “wrong” or “mistaken” or “in error” it has been found by some – such as the late Dutch Theosophist Henk Spierenburg – that it was de Zirkoff himself who was mistaken and that HPB had been right all the time.
De Zirkoff also published a new edition of “The Secret Doctrine” as part of the “Collected Writings” but this has been disfigured from the original almost as badly – or perhaps even worse – than the infamous 1893 “Third and Revised Edition” of “The Secret Doctrine” published by Annie Besant and G.R.S. Mead.
So we personally never recommend the purchase of the “Collected Writings,” preferring instead the three volumes of “H.P. Blavatsky Theosophical Articles” mentioned in the book list above. These contain 165 of HPB’s most important articles and are published by Theosophy Company and available from the United Lodge of Theosophists.
One other comment is that there’s also a sort of elitism – or so it might seem – indulged in by some owners of the “Collected Writings” volumes, most probably unconsciously, in that when quoting from HPB articles they only give the source and reference from the “Collected Writings,” such as “CW XI:242” rather than giving the title of the article itself. This makes it difficult and inconvenient for anyone who wants to look up the particular quote or article for themselves to locate it or know what it is, unless they too happen to be owners of this expensive set of books. The unspoken implication seems to be that all Theosophists “ought” to have the “Collected Writings” series.
Hopefully this helps in some way!