The Secret Doctrine: Volume II - Anthropogenesis

While there are several very accessible editions (not to mention the facsimile version of the Original Edition) of The Secret Doctrine already available in print, what does this Theosophy Trust Books edition offer that the others do not?Simply a higher degree of readability. The Original Edition was a spectacular work, given that the enormous complexity of the content – with a range of drawings, and a complex mixture of Sanskrit, Hebrew and Greek words – along with a very complex arrangement of the subject matter, presents uniquely difficult challenges. More recent editions have tried to remedy some of the problems found in the O.E., but some introduced other difficulties as well, such as editorial "explanations" and comments, as well as sectarian subject matter. The aim of this edition is to preserve all of the original content and modes of presentation – including even the archaic use of punctuation in the headings – while improving upon the accessibility and usefulness to the reader. To this end, we have included several features that may prove to be useful improvements. First, we have inserted a new set of minor section headers that indicate what that particular section discusses. These minor section headings do not replace the original section headers that also appear as line items in the Table of Contents; they simply provide some convenient reference points for the reader, and do not disturb the listings in the original Table of Contents. Second, the headers more consistently reflect the chapters where they are located. Third, we have selected a larger format book to allow us to set the entire book in 9.5 point Palatino Linotype, an elegant and highly readable typeface, replacing the original 8 pt. font. Fourth, as the footnotes contain some of the most interesting and provocative statements in the book, we have numbered all of the footnotes with consecutive numbers, so that the reader will more easily be able to retrace their path to these remarkable statements.Taken together, this Theosophy Trust edition is a beautifully crafted book, unique in its organization, that will reward the reader with an enjoyable reading experience and a valuable addition to their library. Read more