Five Years of Theosophy
1885-1888 Accompanying the above letter by Thaxter (CT) are copies of Five Years of Theosophy (1885 edition reproduced in 1980) and Light on the Path: With Notes and Comments by the Author... A Treatise for the Personal Use of Those Who Are Ignorant of the Eastern Wisdom, and Who Desire to Enter Within Its Influence (by Mable Collins and published by the Occult Publishing Company, Boston, 1890's).
Both of these books have fascinating contents. Light on the Path does, as suggested by the subtitle, have notes and comments, as indicated by CT in her letter. The comments are on the text and the notes are titled, “How Best to Become a Theosophist." Light on the Path was not without controversy in the Theosophical movement. There is also a copy of Reincarnation: A Study of Forgotten Truth by E. D. Walker, New York, 1888, that is highly recommended by CT in a letter to Rose Lamb written March 13th, 1888:
“Now I am going to read aloud from a new book Mr. Garrison sent us, or "Reincarnation").... You must get this book on "Reincarnation," published by Houghton & Mifflin. written by E. D. Walker. De send for it at once, any bookstore.
[Note on Arthur Gebhard]
Arthur Gebhard lectured on Theosophy. See in klb google library, "The Path Vol EX, 1894-5. edited by William 0. Judge for an account of Gebhard presenting to Celia Thaxter, Sarah Chapman Bull and others. including Anna Lynch Botta: One day, however, quite by chance as it were, when lunching with her close friend. Mrs. Anna Lynch Botta, the name of Madame Blavatsky was mentioned, and mentioned as that of an exposed fraud. From thence to Theosophy was but a step ; Mrs. VerPlanck had never heard of either, and Mrs. Botta, whose circle comprised almost every distinguished member of society at home and abroad (that well-known circle unique in American life), invited her friend to accompany her to hear Mr. Arthur Gebhard speak on Theosophy to Mrs. Ole Bull, Mrs. Celia Thaxter, and others in the drawing room of a friend. The impression made upon Mrs. Ver- Planck was so deep that she joined the T. S. within two weeks, and thenceforward began her unceasing work for Theosophy. (p. 15) 10 Ida Bothe was a Boston painter of portraits
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