Stranger Than Fiction: H. S. Olcott’s Life in Theosophy

John Algeo, Ph.D.

September 2007—August 2008

The present series of National Lodge papers is an overview of one of the most important, but also one of the most widely overlooked, basic Theosophical documents: Henry Steel Olcott’s six-volume work, Old Diary Leaves. It has no equal for the detail of the picture it presents of Olcott’s life in Theosophy. These National Lodge papers will be a sort of “Cliffs Notes” version of Olcott’s work; “Cliffs Notes” are summaries and study guides for literary works. Their proper use is as a help in studying the original work or reviewing it after study, not as a substitute for first-hand knowledge of the literature. This series has a similar purpose: to encourage all Theosophists to read and study the Colonel’s own words.

John Algeo is Vice President of the international Theosophical Society, with headquarters in Chennai (formerly Madras), India. In July 2002, he completed nine years of service as National President of the Theosophical Society in America. He has been a member of the Theosophical Society for fifty-five years and has served the Society in a variety of functions over that time. In addition to many journal articles in Theosophical publications, he is the author of the book Reincarnation Explored and coauthor of The Power of Thought. He has been the editor of The Quest magazine and presents Theosophical courses and lectures around the world.