The Secret Doctrine, Volume 1 (Barnes & Noble Digital Library)

Helena Petrovna Blavatsky(1831–1891) was a theosophist, writer, and traveler—especially to Tibet, the Middle East, and Egypt—as well as one of the most important figures in western esoteric thought. In 1875 Blavatsky and Colonel H. S. Olcott established the Theosophical Society, creating a “Universal Brotherhood of Humanity, without distinction of race, creed, sex, caste or color.” A prolific and controversial writer, Blavatsky explored abstract and metaphysical principles, and sought to denounce and correct superstitions that she believed were detrimental to esoteric thinking.