Lucifer: A Theosophical Magazine

London: The Theosophical Publishing Company Limited; Theosophical Publishing Society, 1888-1897. First edition. Cloth. Good Only. 12.5" by 7.5". Not Stated. Eighteen volumes and three single issues of Helena Blavatsky's very scarce theosophical periodical, 'Lucifer'. Consisting of hundreds of fascinating articles on a variety of esoteric and occult subjects. Twenty-one volumes of the very scarce theosophical periodical 'Lucifer', a journal founded by Helena Blavatsky, founder of the Theosophical Society, publishing articles on philosophical, theosophical, scientific and religious topics, as well as fiction.Initially edited by Blavatsky and Mabel Collins, following the 1891 death of Blavatsky, it was edited by Annie Besant and G.R.S. Mead. Part of the occultist stream of western esotericism, Theosophy was a religion established by Blavatsky in the United States in the late nineteenth century, drawing upon both older European philosophies such as Neoplatonism and Asian religions such as Hinduism and Buddhism.With three single issues in the publishers original paper wraps, and eighteen volumes in the publisher's original cloth binding.The earliest issues present are individually bound, consisting of Vol. II, issues 10, 11 and 12, dated June 15th 1888 to August 15th, 1888. These issues are followed by volumes III to XX, containing each issue published from Vol. III, No. 13, September 15th 1888 to Vol. XX, No. 120, August 15th, 1897. With six issues per volume.A nearly complete run of the periodical under this title; following the publication of volume XX, it was renamed 'The Theosophical Review'. The controversial initial title, 'Lucifer' - light bringer - was chosen in reference to the periodical's desire to 'bring to light the hidden things of darkness'.With volume XIX illustrated with four colour plates, complimenting the article 'Thought-Forms', by Annie Besant.Articles include 'Musings of A Neophyte' by A. A. Wells, 'The Mind in Nature' by Blavatsky, 'The Wizard' by Rider Haggard', 'The Human Aura' by A. Marques, a chapter from E.T.A. Hoffmann's 'The Elixir of the Devil', a short story from Vera P. Jelihovsky titled 'An Adventure in the Tower of London', and further articles with titles including, 'Is Theosophy a Religion?' and 'Evolution and Involution'.With the library bookplate of the Societas Divinae Sapientiae to each front pastedown, and a leaflet titled 'Library Rules of the London Branch of the Independent Theosophical League' tipped in prior to the title page of three volumes.A fascinating and very scarce late nineteenth century esoteric periodical, with a wealth of articles on a variety of spiritual, occult and scientific subjects. With three issues in the publisher's original paper wraps, and eighteen volumes in the publisher's original cloth binding. Front wrap detached to one issue, with significant chips and closed tears to each wrap perimeter, and discolouration. Vol. II, No. 12 binding tender, with large tear to first leaf. Bumping to cloth back strip heads and tails. Losses to head of volumes XV and XVI back strips, with back strip of volume XX absent. Head of volume XVII back strip has been reattached by a former owner, however text is upside down. Fourteen joints starting, with boards generally holding firm. Library bookplate to front pastedown of each volume. Internally, firmly bound. Library leaflet tipped in prior to title page of three volumes. Pages generally clean and bright, with light handling marks throughout, and the odd spot. Spotting most concentrated to first and last few leaves of each volume. Good Only