Category:International Theosophist

Title: The International Theosophist

Editors: H. A. W. Coryn and F. J. Dick

Publisher: International Theosophist Press (Dublin)

The International Theosophist was a monthly publication written and published by Theosophists from 1898–99. On its cover page it proclaims it is "Devoted to the Furtherance of Universal Brotherhood."^[1]

The Theosophical Society was an organization founded in 1875 in order to “promote the expressed awareness of the Oneness of Life.”^[2] The basis of its doctrine is that nature is more profound than what can be obtained from empirical science.^[3] Katherine Tingley, a prominent American Theosophical leader, led a splinter group of the society entitled “The United Brotherhood of Theosophists”^[4] and directed the publication of The International Theosophist. ^[5]

The International Theosophist was renamed and combined with other magazines several times. Originally, The Irish Theosophist and The Grail were combined into The Internationalist, which became the main publication for the Universal Brotherhood in October 1897. Beginning April 15th, 1898 the name was changed again, this time to The International Theosophist. This journal was published monthly until October 1899.^[6] According to the “Notes” in the first installment, “The change in name of this magazine from The Internationalist to THE INTERNATIONAL THEOSOPHIST has been made by the editors with the view of helping forward the Theosophical Literary Department of Universal Brotherhood, and they hope that the I. T. will receive the hearty support of all who are in sympathy with the movement.”^[7]

The International Theosophist includes short stories, poetry, essays, and reviews of literature. It focuses on promoting charity, knowledge, and alliance with the Theosophical Society. The intended audience of this publication were members of the Theosophical Society and those interested in their beliefs.

Explaining the philosophies of The Universal Brotherhood to members and to those outside the religion was a main topic of the journal. Other subjects include peace, patriotism, religion, unity, brotherliness, finding truth, and good vs. evil. Typical entries were research projects, historical analyses, letters to the editor, notes about changes to the society, and advertisements for publications by other theosophists.

Notes

1. ↑ Cover Page, The International Theosophist 1.1, 1898, Print.
2. ↑ “Welcome,” The Theosophical Society, n.d., Web, 22 Feb. 2011.
3. ↑ OED.
4. ↑ Thomas D. Clark, "Annie Besant's Lecture Tour of San Diego," The Journal of San Diego History 23.2, 1977, Web, 22 Feb. 2011.
5. ↑ Cover Page, The International Theosophist 1.1, 1898, Print.
6. ↑ WD.
7. ↑ “Notes,” The International Theosophist 1.1, 1898, 20, Print.

Submitted by: Roylance, Jessica: section 1, Winter 2011