The Eternal Poles by Claude Bragdon
Publication: 1931 Alfred A. Knopf First Edition
Provenance and Association:
This book is signed and inscribed by the author to Nicholas Bessaraboff. Nicholas Bessaraboff emigrated to America before the 1917 Russian Revolution and brought with him a copy of "Tertium Organum" by P. D. Ouspensky. He later gave this copy to architect Claude Bragdon, who could read Russian and was interested in four-dimensional consciousness.
Bragdon and Bessaraboff collaborated on the English translation. In 1920, without Ouspensky's knowledge, they published the book in English through Manas Press in New York. At that time, Ouspensky was a struggling journalist. The English edition of "Tertium Organum" became a publishing success, securing Ouspensky's fame in literary circles and ultimately leading to his move to England.
Bragdon authored numerous books on esoteric topics, using his architectural background to offer a unique perspective on theosophy. He advocated for an organic Gothic style, which he believed aligned with “natural order,” in contrast to the classical Beaux-Arts architecture. His work is seen as an early contribution to the study of sacred geometry. This particular work explores themes such as The Personality and The Life Force, Love as the Activity of the Life Force, The Story of Creation, Androgyne and the Love of the Sexes, Dwellers on the Threshold, The World Spectacle, and The Miraculous Power of Love.
Condition: publishers black cloth boards with title to spine and cover, spine edges and bottom corners worn, signed on ffep following decorate end paper, clean copy in Very Good condition