The Best in Esoteric and Metaphysical Literature

Reverse Spins picks and reviews the best in metaphysical and esoteric literature, from fiction to non-fiction. The only prerequisite is that the book must be a good read, and if it's non-fiction then it must read like a story. There is a lack of modern Occult fiction here as you will notice. They all seem to be either wishy-washy, opportunistic, dabblers in witchcraft or UFO's or just plain pablum, lacking the spiritual disciplines of the Path. Sometimes the books on this list are the best medicine for getting back on the Path when one hits a stumbling block and needs an infusion of inspiration.

Just click on the picture to go to Amazon.com

A Dweller on Two Planets by Phylos: A classic, the best book ever written on Atlantis. If you want to know what it was like then this is the one book to read because it is a true story. A bit slow for the first 100 pages but then picks up as you follow the life of Zailm as he works his way up the ladder of success. 10,000 years later Phylos poignantly tells the story that perhaps he rose to such lofty heights too fast, working closely with the Rai, ruler of the land and another, the spiritual head and then falling in love with his twin flame, a princess only to succumb to the charms of another from a far off land. The outplaying of karma is fascinating, not until the late 19th century is the karma finally resolved.

Brother of the Third Degree by Will Garver. This is a classic of metaphysical literature. A fascinating tale from the early 19th century, a time when Saint Germain circulated around the highways and courts of Europe. Sometimes it's hard to tell if this novel doesn't have some elements of truth in historical events. It's devotion to the truth of cosmic law and initiation is undeniable.

Editorpha by John Uri Lloyd. This is a strange and fascinating book. Filled with esoteric information and yet it is so strange a tale that you wonder where the author came up with this stuff. It begins with a trip to the inside of the planet through some caves in Kentucky. The protagonists encounters advanced beings and learns of extraordinary ways of harnessing energy among other things.

A Romance of Two Worlds by Marie Corelli. I can't do better than this review from a reader at Amazon.com: "I had always been turned off from Christianity because of all the things that I knew of the church, and of the bleak end that awaited all who didn't believe in the church. But Marie opened up my eyes and my heart. I came across this book by "chance" and am now sure that it was all ordained by God. Thanks to this book opening up my senses, I now have found my twin soul and we are eternally grateful to God for the gifts he has given us. I highly recommend this book to both those who feel that they have already begun upon their own spiritual journey, and those who feel alienated from God."

The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Lord Lytton is famous for two things today, his book, The Last Days of Pompeii and a literature prize (named for him) for the worst piece of fiction for the year. I haven't read his other works that caused such a dubious distinction but I do know that this Victorian fantasy is a fine piece of metaphysical literature. His description of the creation of a robot race is particularly noteworthy. He presaged many technological advancements and coined a word, "vril," later used by Blavatsky to describe the mysterious force used in Atlantis.

Unveiled Mysteries by Godfre Ray King. This, and the one below, are the two best books on the list. They weren't included in the box above because that's a list of classics from the 19th century. These two books are unsurpassed in unveiling spiritual truths while being an engrossing read at the same time. Filled with exciting stories e.g., the life long quest of David Lloyd. He was told as a boy by an Indian adept, that a man on a North American mountain would help him make his Ascension. In one of the most thrilling passages in all of esoteric literature, David Lloyd nearly jumps out of his skin when he finally finds the man on Mount Shasta who offers him the cup of elixir that will accelerate him beyond the bounds of gravity, time and space.

The Magic Presence by Godfre Ray King. A continuation of Unveiled Mysteries following the exploits of Guy Ballard as he interacts with Masters, spiritual adepts and seemingly normal people but with a great deal of attainment, throughout the U.S. and Europe.

The Lives of Alcyone, Vol 1 & 2 by Annie Besant & C.W Leadbeater. I am currently reading this great book. For an excerpt from the introduction go here. I have excerpted all of Chapter 13 also. Until I write my own review, here is one from a reader at Amazon.com: Rishi from Allahabad, These accounts of the past lives of Alcyone (J Krishnamurthy in the latest incarnation) are lessons in the working of karma life after life, full of instruction for the student and helpful for the realisation of the continuity of human life. We see the interrelations of individuals, the results of benefits and injuries, the links that draw the egos together, the repulsion that drive them apart. We notice the epochs in which great grooups of related egos are formed, there scattering for centuries, millenia, their reunions and fresh scatterings. And out of the whole grows a sense of security, of an ever-ruling guidance, of Wisdom that plans, of Power that executes, of the certain working out of a great purpose, of agents chosen, tested, accepted or dropped, opportunities offered, utilised, rejected, of a sure onward evolution amid complexity of ebbs and flows. A single life is seen into proportion, preceeded and succeeded by many others. ...

The Masters and the Path by C. W. Leadbeater. While not exactly a linear story line, there is enough of a narrative that demanded it's presence here, mostly because of the stupendous teachings. I picked it up recently and opened to this: "He (the Master) answered to the following effect: 'You must find work for yourself; you know what we are doing. Throw yourself into your work in any way you can. If I gave you a definate piece of work to do you would do it, but in that case the karma of what was done would be mine, because I told you to do it. You would have only the karma of willing obedience, which, of course, is very good, but it is not the karma of initiating a fruitful line of action. I want you to initiate work for yourself, because then the karma of the good deed will come to you.'" Ch. 3, p. 52.

The Boy Who Saw True by Cyril Scott. Simply a charming book. The diary of an 11-12 year old English boy assisted by his tutor around the turn of the century or before. The lad is able to see elementals, elder brothers, lamas, and a strange and wonderful collection of people from the other side, most of whom bring valuable messages and understandings of cosmic law. The Masters brought forth a broader message over a hundred years ago. They started with Spiritualism and Theosophy, then moved on. They obviously used this boy whose third eye was opened.

Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East by Baird Spalding (six volumes). An undisputed classic and the first vehicle for many on the Path who learn for the first time that there are adepts helping the planet just beyond the veil. My fondest memory of these books is a scene where Jesus and Buddha appear hand and hand before some surprised guests at a retreat in the Himalayas. A sixth volume has recently been published. Excerpt from Volume 1, Chapter 10: Emil on America.

A Stranger Passed
A Stranger Passed by Catherine Christian. An excellent and well written story by an author with roots in theosophy. It takes place during the last days of the French Royalty. The Count de Saint Germain is known in select circles and esoteric groups giving guidance to aspirants on the path and assistance in trying to stem the tide of chaos. There is a wonderful love story between the main character, Anthony Karsdale, and one who can only be his twin soul. A remarkable book especially since it is nearly impossible to find. The can be found at Amazon in the UK for about half the price in the U.S.

The Initiate by Cyril Scott, a writer steeped in theosophy. What I like about books of this type including many others on this list, is the notion that there are adepts walking among us in the west. They go about their business doing tremendous but unnoticed works for God. Adepts aren't just hiding out in Himalayan caves, they're pursuing and becoming the mystical teachings of Christ. There are two sequels to The Initiate: 2. Initiate in the New World : A Sequel to the Initiate and 3. Initiate in the Dark Cycle : A Sequel to the Initiate in the New World

Earth Dweller's Return
An Earth Dweller's Return by Phylos the Thibetan. This is the sequel to the exceptional book, A Dweller on Two Planets. I'm not sure if it's as authentic or accurate, but it is interesting. Two main characters (Phylos and Mainin) from the previous story reminisce about many previous embodiments stretching back to Lemuria.

The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This modern thriller deserves a place on this list. Go to the link to read the full review: Believe all the hype. This is a brilliantly conceived book, as well written as any thriller out there, only better. Why? Because it's not a mystery about spies, corrupt corporations, or hi-tech weapons. It's about Divine mysteries that have been kept from us by the permutations of time and and by corrupt individuals in high spiritual places. The action starts in the Louvre with the murder of a man who is desperate to pass on secret information but has to do it through codes and ciphers so the information does not fall into the wrong hands. ... more ...

Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. Just read this for the second time in twenty years. It happens to be a tremendous book and a great read. One of the most important concepts of the book is that one can be an advanced yogi like Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar and Yogananda and still live in the world with a spouse and other worldly concerns and duties.

Chronicles of the Tao by Deng Ming-Dao; If you liked Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I think you'll like this book. It follows the life of Kwan Sai Hung in the first part of the twentieth century as he follows the path of Taoism taught to him by the Grand Master himself, in the Huashan Mountains of China. China's most turbulent time in its history provides a dramatic backdrop. Nationalist forces, communists, foreign powers, renegade monks and triads are all vying for a piece of a wide open China. Kwan Sai Hung navigates his way through by being true to the Tao. Whether it is true or not does not matter. It is a great story. You will not put it down.

Return from Tomorrow, by George Ritchie. This is a small little paperback that you will not be able to put down. It could be a one sitting book. This book doesn't fit the criteria for this list. It really belongs in a NDE category. It takes place in WWII, when the author was taken out of his body and shown things by Jesus. The bar scene with the alcohol entities is unforgettable but the most amazing revelation is one man's ability to transcend his imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp.

Dream Maker: A Mystical Tale by Grigor Fedan. This metaphysical/historical novel about the vagaries of modern life interspersed with a past life recognition was a pleasant surprise. It weaves esoteric and spiritual concepts that I found refreshing—like it's okay to be a warrior and a spiritual person. Another important concept used very effectively—there are highly evolved beings in embodiment and out, that send forth light and energy benefitting and uplifting all whom they contact. Also, the notion that sometimes dreams are directed by higher powers and contain important lessons is also very insightful. There are some aspects of cosmic law that I disagree with, like the need for evil as a learning process. While challenges are necessary to master life's lessons, evil does not need to be part of the equation. I didn't let this metaphysical dilemma dampen my interest however because the author wove the intricacies of karma very cleverly throughout the plot. In fact the story moves along so well, I kind of hoped it would have gone on longer.

The Wheel of Rebirth: An Autobiography of Many Lifetimes
The Wheel of Rebirth: An autobiography of many lifetimes, by H. K Challoneram; An Amazon Reviewer: I now reading this book for the second time. It is an amazing book. It would be hard to not believe the writings of H.K. Challoner. This writer is the best! It is one of the most profound books I have ever read and value it greatly in my library. I believe I will be reading several more times over my lifetime for the truth and wisdom found within its covers. Reincarnation is truth to me and Challoner writes so elequently and with heartfelt and "heartknown" reality of the astral plane and life within that I challenge you not to go away without being taken away, literally and figuratively!

The Golden Frog, by Michael Mamas; Amazon Reviewer, Bodhi Speaks: Throughout history, spiritual thinkers have turned to the art of the story to convey their experience. Jesus used parables, the Torah came to us as narration, and THE GOLDEN FROG sings us an aria tuned to the symphony of instruments contained in the orchestra of life. Michael Mamas introduces us to characters so real we can't help but recognize pieces of ourselves in each of them. He takes us on a journey, down a river, where two childhood friends navigate the waters of existence. Though they each tack toward opposite shores, both are driven by the same divine current -- a desire to delve deeper into the understanding of what it means to be human. There are many reasons to read this book, and even more to reread it!

The Red Lion by Maria Szepes. A tale of reincarnation, alchemy and intrigue. Although a little off base in delving into the dark side of life, a good read never the less. It even has the great alchemist Saint Germain although the portrayal could have been on a higher plane.

The Romance of Atlantis by Taylor Caldwell. She wrote this at the age of 12. Even then she had the ability to reach across time and space to picture how life might have been. There are subjects here that makes one wonder how a twelve year old would know these things. It reads a little like a romance novel which probably helps the story move along. There are episodes that ring true, like the invasion from the north and a Noah type figure warning the people of Atlantis to change their ways or prepare for cataclysm.

Zanoni : A Rosicrucian Tale
Zanoni: A Rosicrucian Tale by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. (no picture was available). The second metaphysical book by Lytton, is a thriller, set in the backdrop of the French revolution. A tad slow here and there but made up with wonderful descriptions elsewhere. Zanoni Online. Lord Lytton short Bio

Winged Pharaoh by Joan Grant. The English author, Joan Grant wrote seven well written books in the 50's, tuning into previous lifetimes. Several of these books show the rigors of the Path and how a society based on true Spiritual principles positively affects daily life, a city and an entire Nation. The converse is apparent as well, a religion devolved to empty ritual drags a society down. While some of her other books are sometimes short on esoteric teachings, they do offer a good view of other time periods from the first person. Here are her other titles, 3 of which take place in Egypt:

Eyes of Horus , Scarlet Feather, Life As Carola, Return to Elysium, Lord of the Horizon, So Moses Was Born

The Star Rover by Jack London. This book is unlike any other London wrote. He wrote it at the end of his life when his thoughts turned to Jung and other spiritual questions. It's an adventure story of reincarnation, soul travel and prison reform, based on a true story. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this book is that the man famous for "the white silence," wolves, sea tales, and political change wrote it at all.

Initiation by Elisabeth Haich. Yet to be read and reviewed by the editor, but I'm told it's excellent and it looked good glancing at it in the bookstore. Maybe more esoteric teaching than the Joan Grant books but some questionable things as well.

The Wonderful Adventures of Phra the Phoenician by Edwin Lester Arnold. (out of print, available used only) The son of Sir Edwin Arnold, wrote this book about reincarnation. He was obviously influenced by his father and his time spent in India as a youth. It is more a book about the concept of immortality as the soul is suspended between embodiments. There is a lack of spiritual truths that keeps it from being a classic but it is interesting for the genre. It influenced Jack London and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I've seen it listed on ABE Search for about $7.50.

Om, the Secret of Ahbor Valley, by Talbot Mundy: Two reviews from Amazon: 1. An English Secret Service agent stationed in mysterious India wants to find his long-lost sister. He has little to go on but he stretches his talents to the breaking point to find her. Little does know that he is not actually the pursuer, but the pursued. He is being secretly led by his guru with an inner love and wisdom that is matched by a personality that puts the lie to the stereotypical image of the reticent, desiccated spiritual high and mighty swami. ... 2. This is one of Mundy's best tales. A British secret service agent penetrates Tibet disguised as a Hindu actor in order to locate his missing sister. Along the way he joins with a Lama and his disciple who are the quintessential image of Tibet's mysteries. Peter B. Ellis (see Research Bibliography) has identified Katherine Tingley as the model for the Lama, while other members of the Point Loma group were models for other characters in the novel. Mundy's Tibetan background probably came from Sven Hedin, a Swedish explorer who was one of the first Europeans to travel extensively in Tibet. Hedin was also associated with the Point Loma Theosophists, for a while.

Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself, By Robert Montgomery Bird; This is a new edition of a book that has been out of print, which I have not read. Here is a review: 19th-century tale of reincarnation had Poe's praise-2/27 Philadelphia Inquirer, Reviewed by Edward Pettit-- Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself, By Robert Montgomery Bird: So, you've been looking for an early 19th-century novel about metempsychosis? Look no further. Robert Montgomery Bird's Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself is back in print. What? You are not an ardent follower of tales of the metempsychotic? Let me explain. Metempsychosis is the transference of the soul or spirit from one body to another after death. Sounds like the kind of story Edgar Allan Poe might write. In fact, Poe himself reviewed Bird's novel when it was first published in 1836: "We must regard 'Sheppard Lee,' upon the whole, as a very clever, and not altogether unoriginal, jeu d'esprit. Its incidents are well conceived, and related with force, brevity, and a species of directness which is invaluable in certain cases of narration." ...

Other pages of interest at this site:

Varieties of Spiritual Thought

Karma, Reincarnation and NDE

The Mystical George Washington

Main Page: Reverse Spins

	A Dweller on Two Planets by Phylos: A classic, the best book ever written on Atlantis. If you want to know what it was like then this is the one book to read because it is a true story. A bit slow for the first 100 pages but then picks up as you follow the life of Zailm as he works his way up the ladder of success. 10,000 years later Phylos poignantly tells the story that perhaps he rose to such lofty heights too fast, working closely with the Rai, ruler of the land and another, the spiritual head and then falling in love with his twin flame, a princess only to succumb to the charms of another from a far off land. The outplaying of karma is fascinating, not until the late 19th century is the karma finally resolved.
	Brother of the Third Degree by Will Garver. This is a classic of metaphysical literature. A fascinating tale from the early 19th century, a time when Saint Germain circulated around the highways and courts of Europe. Sometimes it's hard to tell if this novel doesn't have some elements of truth in historical events. It's devotion to the truth of cosmic law and initiation is undeniable.
	Editorpha by John Uri Lloyd. This is a strange and fascinating book. Filled with esoteric information and yet it is so strange a tale that you wonder where the author came up with this stuff. It begins with a trip to the inside of the planet through some caves in Kentucky. The protagonists encounters advanced beings and learns of extraordinary ways of harnessing energy among other things.
	A Romance of Two Worlds by Marie Corelli. I can't do better than this review from a reader at Amazon.com: "I had always been turned off from Christianity because of all the things that I knew of the church, and of the bleak end that awaited all who didn't believe in the church. But Marie opened up my eyes and my heart. I came across this book by "chance" and am now sure that it was all ordained by God. Thanks to this book opening up my senses, I now have found my twin soul and we are eternally grateful to God for the gifts he has given us. I highly recommend this book to both those who feel that they have already begun upon their own spiritual journey, and those who feel alienated from God."
	The Coming Race by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. Lord Lytton is famous for two things today, his book, The Last Days of Pompeii and a literature prize (named for him) for the worst piece of fiction for the year. I haven't read his other works that caused such a dubious distinction but I do know that this Victorian fantasy is a fine piece of metaphysical literature. His description of the creation of a robot race is particularly noteworthy. He presaged many technological advancements and coined a word, "vril," later used by Blavatsky to describe the mysterious force used in Atlantis.

	Unveiled Mysteries by Godfre Ray King. This, and the one below, are the two best books on the list. They weren't included in the box above because that's a list of classics from the 19th century. These two books are unsurpassed in unveiling spiritual truths while being an engrossing read at the same time. Filled with exciting stories e.g., the life long quest of David Lloyd. He was told as a boy by an Indian adept, that a man on a North American mountain would help him make his Ascension. In one of the most thrilling passages in all of esoteric literature, David Lloyd nearly jumps out of his skin when he finally finds the man on Mount Shasta who offers him the cup of elixir that will accelerate him beyond the bounds of gravity, time and space.
	The Magic Presence by Godfre Ray King. A continuation of Unveiled Mysteries following the exploits of Guy Ballard as he interacts with Masters, spiritual adepts and seemingly normal people but with a great deal of attainment, throughout the U.S. and Europe.
	The Lives of Alcyone, Vol 1 & 2 by Annie Besant & C.W Leadbeater. I am currently reading this great book. For an excerpt from the introduction go here. I have excerpted all of Chapter 13 also. Until I write my own review, here is one from a reader at Amazon.com: Rishi from Allahabad, These accounts of the past lives of Alcyone (J Krishnamurthy in the latest incarnation) are lessons in the working of karma life after life, full of instruction for the student and helpful for the realisation of the continuity of human life. We see the interrelations of individuals, the results of benefits and injuries, the links that draw the egos together, the repulsion that drive them apart. We notice the epochs in which great grooups of related egos are formed, there scattering for centuries, millenia, their reunions and fresh scatterings. And out of the whole grows a sense of security, of an ever-ruling guidance, of Wisdom that plans, of Power that executes, of the certain working out of a great purpose, of agents chosen, tested, accepted or dropped, opportunities offered, utilised, rejected, of a sure onward evolution amid complexity of ebbs and flows. A single life is seen into proportion, preceeded and succeeded by many others. ...
	The Masters and the Path by C. W. Leadbeater. While not exactly a linear story line, there is enough of a narrative that demanded it's presence here, mostly because of the stupendous teachings. I picked it up recently and opened to this: "He (the Master) answered to the following effect: 'You must find work for yourself; you know what we are doing. Throw yourself into your work in any way you can. If I gave you a definate piece of work to do you would do it, but in that case the karma of what was done would be mine, because I told you to do it. You would have only the karma of willing obedience, which, of course, is very good, but it is not the karma of initiating a fruitful line of action. I want you to initiate work for yourself, because then the karma of the good deed will come to you.'" Ch. 3, p. 52.
	The Boy Who Saw True by Cyril Scott. Simply a charming book. The diary of an 11-12 year old English boy assisted by his tutor around the turn of the century or before. The lad is able to see elementals, elder brothers, lamas, and a strange and wonderful collection of people from the other side, most of whom bring valuable messages and understandings of cosmic law. The Masters brought forth a broader message over a hundred years ago. They started with Spiritualism and Theosophy, then moved on. They obviously used this boy whose third eye was opened.
	Life and Teachings of the Masters of the Far East by Baird Spalding (six volumes). An undisputed classic and the first vehicle for many on the Path who learn for the first time that there are adepts helping the planet just beyond the veil. My fondest memory of these books is a scene where Jesus and Buddha appear hand and hand before some surprised guests at a retreat in the Himalayas. A sixth volume has recently been published. Excerpt from Volume 1, Chapter 10: Emil on America.
A Stranger Passed	A Stranger Passed by Catherine Christian. An excellent and well written story by an author with roots in theosophy. It takes place during the last days of the French Royalty. The Count de Saint Germain is known in select circles and esoteric groups giving guidance to aspirants on the path and assistance in trying to stem the tide of chaos. There is a wonderful love story between the main character, Anthony Karsdale, and one who can only be his twin soul. A remarkable book especially since it is nearly impossible to find. The can be found at Amazon in the UK for about half the price in the U.S.
	The Initiate by Cyril Scott, a writer steeped in theosophy. What I like about books of this type including many others on this list, is the notion that there are adepts walking among us in the west. They go about their business doing tremendous but unnoticed works for God. Adepts aren't just hiding out in Himalayan caves, they're pursuing and becoming the mystical teachings of Christ. There are two sequels to The Initiate: 2. Initiate in the New World : A Sequel to the Initiate and 3. Initiate in the Dark Cycle : A Sequel to the Initiate in the New World
Earth Dweller's Return	An Earth Dweller's Return by Phylos the Thibetan. This is the sequel to the exceptional book, A Dweller on Two Planets. I'm not sure if it's as authentic or accurate, but it is interesting. Two main characters (Phylos and Mainin) from the previous story reminisce about many previous embodiments stretching back to Lemuria.
	The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. This modern thriller deserves a place on this list. Go to the link to read the full review: Believe all the hype. This is a brilliantly conceived book, as well written as any thriller out there, only better. Why? Because it's not a mystery about spies, corrupt corporations, or hi-tech weapons. It's about Divine mysteries that have been kept from us by the permutations of time and and by corrupt individuals in high spiritual places. The action starts in the Louvre with the murder of a man who is desperate to pass on secret information but has to do it through codes and ciphers so the information does not fall into the wrong hands. ... more ...
	Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda. Just read this for the second time in twenty years. It happens to be a tremendous book and a great read. One of the most important concepts of the book is that one can be an advanced yogi like Lahiri Mahasaya, Sri Yukteswar and Yogananda and still live in the world with a spouse and other worldly concerns and duties.
	Chronicles of the Tao by Deng Ming-Dao; If you liked Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, I think you'll like this book. It follows the life of Kwan Sai Hung in the first part of the twentieth century as he follows the path of Taoism taught to him by the Grand Master himself, in the Huashan Mountains of China. China's most turbulent time in its history provides a dramatic backdrop. Nationalist forces, communists, foreign powers, renegade monks and triads are all vying for a piece of a wide open China. Kwan Sai Hung navigates his way through by being true to the Tao. Whether it is true or not does not matter. It is a great story. You will not put it down.
	Return from Tomorrow, by George Ritchie. This is a small little paperback that you will not be able to put down. It could be a one sitting book. This book doesn't fit the criteria for this list. It really belongs in a NDE category. It takes place in WWII, when the author was taken out of his body and shown things by Jesus. The bar scene with the alcohol entities is unforgettable but the most amazing revelation is one man's ability to transcend his imprisonment in a Nazi concentration camp.
	Dream Maker: A Mystical Tale by Grigor Fedan. This metaphysical/historical novel about the vagaries of modern life interspersed with a past life recognition was a pleasant surprise. It weaves esoteric and spiritual concepts that I found refreshing—like it's okay to be a warrior and a spiritual person. Another important concept used very effectively—there are highly evolved beings in embodiment and out, that send forth light and energy benefitting and uplifting all whom they contact. Also, the notion that sometimes dreams are directed by higher powers and contain important lessons is also very insightful. There are some aspects of cosmic law that I disagree with, like the need for evil as a learning process. While challenges are necessary to master life's lessons, evil does not need to be part of the equation. I didn't let this metaphysical dilemma dampen my interest however because the author wove the intricacies of karma very cleverly throughout the plot. In fact the story moves along so well, I kind of hoped it would have gone on longer.
The Wheel of Rebirth: An Autobiography of Many Lifetimes	The Wheel of Rebirth: An autobiography of many lifetimes, by H. K Challoneram; An Amazon Reviewer: I now reading this book for the second time. It is an amazing book. It would be hard to not believe the writings of H.K. Challoner. This writer is the best! It is one of the most profound books I have ever read and value it greatly in my library. I believe I will be reading several more times over my lifetime for the truth and wisdom found within its covers. Reincarnation is truth to me and Challoner writes so elequently and with heartfelt and "heartknown" reality of the astral plane and life within that I challenge you not to go away without being taken away, literally and figuratively!
	The Golden Frog, by Michael Mamas; Amazon Reviewer, Bodhi Speaks: Throughout history, spiritual thinkers have turned to the art of the story to convey their experience. Jesus used parables, the Torah came to us as narration, and THE GOLDEN FROG sings us an aria tuned to the symphony of instruments contained in the orchestra of life. Michael Mamas introduces us to characters so real we can't help but recognize pieces of ourselves in each of them. He takes us on a journey, down a river, where two childhood friends navigate the waters of existence. Though they each tack toward opposite shores, both are driven by the same divine current -- a desire to delve deeper into the understanding of what it means to be human. There are many reasons to read this book, and even more to reread it!

	The Red Lion by Maria Szepes. A tale of reincarnation, alchemy and intrigue. Although a little off base in delving into the dark side of life, a good read never the less. It even has the great alchemist Saint Germain although the portrayal could have been on a higher plane.
	The Romance of Atlantis by Taylor Caldwell. She wrote this at the age of 12. Even then she had the ability to reach across time and space to picture how life might have been. There are subjects here that makes one wonder how a twelve year old would know these things. It reads a little like a romance novel which probably helps the story move along. There are episodes that ring true, like the invasion from the north and a Noah type figure warning the people of Atlantis to change their ways or prepare for cataclysm.
Zanoni : A Rosicrucian Tale	Zanoni: A Rosicrucian Tale by Edward Bulwer-Lytton. (no picture was available). The second metaphysical book by Lytton, is a thriller, set in the backdrop of the French revolution. A tad slow here and there but made up with wonderful descriptions elsewhere. Zanoni Online. Lord Lytton short Bio
	Winged Pharaoh by Joan Grant. The English author, Joan Grant wrote seven well written books in the 50's, tuning into previous lifetimes. Several of these books show the rigors of the Path and how a society based on true Spiritual principles positively affects daily life, a city and an entire Nation. The converse is apparent as well, a religion devolved to empty ritual drags a society down. While some of her other books are sometimes short on esoteric teachings, they do offer a good view of other time periods from the first person. Here are her other titles, 3 of which take place in Egypt: Eyes of Horus , Scarlet Feather, Life As Carola, Return to Elysium, Lord of the Horizon, So Moses Was Born
	The Star Rover by Jack London. This book is unlike any other London wrote. He wrote it at the end of his life when his thoughts turned to Jung and other spiritual questions. It's an adventure story of reincarnation, soul travel and prison reform, based on a true story. Perhaps the most amazing aspect of this book is that the man famous for "the white silence," wolves, sea tales, and political change wrote it at all.
	Initiation by Elisabeth Haich. Yet to be read and reviewed by the editor, but I'm told it's excellent and it looked good glancing at it in the bookstore. Maybe more esoteric teaching than the Joan Grant books but some questionable things as well.
	The Wonderful Adventures of Phra the Phoenician by Edwin Lester Arnold. (out of print, available used only) The son of Sir Edwin Arnold, wrote this book about reincarnation. He was obviously influenced by his father and his time spent in India as a youth. It is more a book about the concept of immortality as the soul is suspended between embodiments. There is a lack of spiritual truths that keeps it from being a classic but it is interesting for the genre. It influenced Jack London and Edgar Rice Burroughs. I've seen it listed on ABE Search for about $7.50.
	Om, the Secret of Ahbor Valley, by Talbot Mundy: Two reviews from Amazon: 1. An English Secret Service agent stationed in mysterious India wants to find his long-lost sister. He has little to go on but he stretches his talents to the breaking point to find her. Little does know that he is not actually the pursuer, but the pursued. He is being secretly led by his guru with an inner love and wisdom that is matched by a personality that puts the lie to the stereotypical image of the reticent, desiccated spiritual high and mighty swami. ... 2. This is one of Mundy's best tales. A British secret service agent penetrates Tibet disguised as a Hindu actor in order to locate his missing sister. Along the way he joins with a Lama and his disciple who are the quintessential image of Tibet's mysteries. Peter B. Ellis (see Research Bibliography) has identified Katherine Tingley as the model for the Lama, while other members of the Point Loma group were models for other characters in the novel. Mundy's Tibetan background probably came from Sven Hedin, a Swedish explorer who was one of the first Europeans to travel extensively in Tibet. Hedin was also associated with the Point Loma Theosophists, for a while.
	Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself, By Robert Montgomery Bird; This is a new edition of a book that has been out of print, which I have not read. Here is a review: 19th-century tale of reincarnation had Poe's praise-2/27 Philadelphia Inquirer, Reviewed by Edward Pettit-- Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself, By Robert Montgomery Bird: So, you've been looking for an early 19th-century novel about metempsychosis? Look no further. Robert Montgomery Bird's Sheppard Lee, Written by Himself is back in print. What? You are not an ardent follower of tales of the metempsychotic? Let me explain. Metempsychosis is the transference of the soul or spirit from one body to another after death. Sounds like the kind of story Edgar Allan Poe might write. In fact, Poe himself reviewed Bird's novel when it was first published in 1836: "We must regard 'Sheppard Lee,' upon the whole, as a very clever, and not altogether unoriginal, jeu d'esprit. Its incidents are well conceived, and related with force, brevity, and a species of directness which is invaluable in certain cases of narration." ...