The Doctrine and Literature of the Kabalah.
London: Theosophical Publishing Society, 1902. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo, xx + 508 pp. Dark blue cloth with gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover. Half-tone plate as frontispiece. An important early study of the Kabbalah by the occultist, mystic, and prolific author, Arthur Edward Waite (1857 - 1942). A member of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia, and the Theosophical Society, Waite joined the Order of the Golden dawn in 1891 and remained in it for over a dozen years before leaving and forming his Fellowship of the Rosy Cross. "The Doctrine and Literature of the Kabalah" was published by the Theosophical Society at the recommendation of G.R.S. Mead. Writing of Waite's studies of the Kabalah, R. A. Gilbert says: "No other work in English approaches Waite's study in sanity, accuracy or competence, despite the errors due to his reliance on unsatisfactory translations. His insight into Kabbalism is praised by Gershom Scholem, the greatest living authority on the subject ... ". Gilbert A17 (with "Theosophical / Publishing Society" across the foot of the spine). Front hinge and and edges of boards somewhat darkened, a few light marks to boards, a couple of tiny nips to cloth at head and tail of spine, corners and head and tail of spine show bumped, with a few small bumps to edges. Text block edges dusty, some pale, patchy, flecking to first and last dozen leaves. Still a solid, about VG copy of a scarce edition. Item #67498
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