The Elder Brother A Biography of Charles Webster Leadbeater [Paperback]

A leading figure in the Theosophical Society, Leadbeater was a prolific author, writing on subjects ranging from Buddhism, Masonic history and the origins of Christianity through to the power of thought and the fourth dimension. Leadbeater was also the force behind Annie Besant, the discoverer and educator if Krishnamurti, and became Presiding Bishop of the Liberal Catholic Church.

For all his influence Charles Leadbeater remains largely unknown as a man. This biography, first published in 1982, dispels many of the mysteries surrounding his life, and Leadbeater emerges as neither evil degenerate or infallible saint, but as a complex and eccentric adventurer into the realm of the occult. This title will be of particular interest to students of history and theology.

Preface and acknowledgements;  A note on sources;  1. The man and the myth  2. A life of manifold adventures: mysterious beginnings  3. The High Church curate: Anglicanism and psychic research  4. Through spiritualism to Theosophy: Spirit guides, Masters and Mr Sinnett  5. A nice occultist: Madame Blavatsky startles the curate  6. Buddhism in passing and Adyar at last  7. The Masters and the Path: the rising star  8. The astral plane: the inner side of things  9. Serious charges preferred: the fallen prophet  10. A disciple reinstated: the prodigal returns  11. Many candles in the sun: Krishnamurti and the new vision  12. In the lives, in the lives& in which everyone is reincarnated  13. Eggs, English and exercises: the preparation of the Vehicle  14. The rising star: the emerging Arhat and a question of custody  15. Masonry, the war and a new sub-race: preparation for the Coming  16. The priesthood recovered: Leadbeater and the Liberal Catholic Church  17. Where Leadbeater bishes: the Sydney police investigl3$