LIST OF ARTICLES

EXPERTS OPINIONS ON THE BOOK "MADAME BLAVATSKY’S BABOON"



 
The author of this book (Peter Washington) has written with a very scathing style which has led his book being attractive to many readers, as illustrated by the comments that appear on Amazon, see link.
 
But curiously, those who praise this book, we find that they do not really know, neither Blavatsky, nor Theosophy, nor esotericism in general, nor the other instructors that Peter Washington addresses.
 
On the other hand, those who have given themselves the effort of studying more about this theme, they affirm that Peter Washington's book is very badly done because that individual did not investigate in a serious and impartial manner, but that he only seeks to discredit intentionally, especially the theosophical instructors and to a lesser extent also the other esoteric instructors he mentions, with the exception of Rudolf Steiner whom he seems to revere.
 
But he despises the other instructors in a tabloid way, without really informing himself, but only slandering, telling falsehoods and making many mistakes, which shows the mediocre research that this man carried out and that his purpose is purely derogatory.
 
And in this chapter I am going to compile what people who know about these issues think on this book.
 
 
 
Upasika Library
 
It was a digital library that operated for many years on the Internet, sharing books on esotericism, philosophy and spirituality, and about this book its manager said:
 
« "Madame Blavatsky’ Baboon" is a review of contemporary spiritualist instructors but from a sensationalist vision that does not seek truth but only scandal»
 
 
 
 
 
James Santucci
 
James Santucci, PhD, is Chairman, Department of Comparative Religion, California State University, Fullerton, and is also the Editor-in-Chief of Theosophical History magazine, and of this book he wrote:
 
« When Madame Blavatsky's Baboon first appeared in the U.K. in 1993, many were dismayed at the number of inaccuracies in the author's treatment of the Theosophical content of the book. It was hoped that when Schocken Books published it in the U.S., the necessary corrections would have been made. Such was not the case.
 
However, given the popularity of the book (there are numerous references on the Internet), it is important that readers be aware that although the book is entertaining (Robert Boyd in TH VI/6 wrote a more sympathetic review, highlighting the scope and ideas contained therein), it is important that readers —especially scholars— be made aware of the oversights and sometimes inexcusable errors that are scattered in Mr. Washington's book.
 
Of course, the question arises, "If the book has this many errors in reference only to Theosophy, how many more exist in the author's treatment of the other movements?" Perhaps others will respond to this question.
 
 
All too often, this subject, when it is discussed in scholarly circles, is presented in a most unscholarly fashion. Falsehoods are perpetuated and original research is not actively pursued. A renewed interest in Theosophy is appearing, however.
 
It is my hope that [a dispassionate historian of religion giving HPB her due] will take place sooner rather than later. One way of doing so is for scholars to reevaluate —or perhaps read for the first time— Blavatsky's principal writings in the light of nineteenth century scholarship. Readers will be surprised, in my opinion, at the depth and eclecticism that exist especially in her masterworks Isis Unveiled and The Secret Doctrine»
(Theosophical History, October 1997, p.309)
 
 
 
 
 
Will Thackara
 
Will Thackara served on the UCLA Committee on Religious Studies 1970-72 as an Assistant Dean of Students and, since 1972, has worked full time at the international headquarters of the Theosophical Society (Pasadena). He is currently Manager of Theosophical University Press and occasionally writes and lectures on theosophic and related subjects
 
He did an analysis in which he details several of the errors and omissions made by Peter Washington, demonstrating how badly and poorly is his book, and Thackara's article can be read here.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

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