Shadow Worlds

A History of the Occult and Esoteric in New Zealand

Andrew Paul Wood

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English

Massey University Press
13 July 2023

Alternative belief systems; Theosophy & Anthroposophy; Spiritualism; Occult studies

A vigorous strand of interest in the occult, the spooky and the mysterious has been part of our history since 1840. Shadow Worlds takes a lively look at communicating with spirits, secret ritualistic societies, the supernatural, the New Age - everything from The Golden Dawn and Rosicrucianism to Spiritualism, witchcraft and Radiant Living - and introduces the reader to a cast of fascinating characters who were generally true believers and sometimes con artists. It's a fresh and novel take on the history of a small colonial society that was not quite as ploddingly conformist as we may have imagined.

By: Andrew Paul Wood
Imprint: Massey University Press
Country of Publication: New Zealand
Dimensions: Height: 230mm, Width: 163mm,
ISBN: 9781991016379
ISBN 10: 1991016379
Pages: 424
Publication Date: 13 July 2023
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Unspecified

Introduction 13 1. The not-so-secret doctrine 29 2. Children of the Golden Dawn 77 3. The Empire Sentinels 107 4. The Golden Dawn: A coda 115 5. Rudolf Steiner and Anthroposophy 129 6. Gomorrah on the Avon 141 7. Bumps in the night 155 8. The women of the Beast 221 9. In science's robe 247 10. The Age of Aquarius 271 11. Witchcraft and neopaganism 295 12. The Rosy Cross and the OTO 321 13. The Devil rides out 341 Epilogue 363 Notes 368 About the author 412 Acknowledgements 413 Index 414

ANDREW PAUL WOOD is an independent art and cultural historian, critic, culture journalist, and translator based in Otautahi Christchurch. He writes for prominent publications in Aotearoa New Zealand and elsewhere on art, architecture, design, travel, history and literature, and is involved in cultural initiatives around the country. His expertise ranges from the artist Theo Schoon to the history of the pavlova. He is arts editor for takahe magazine.

Reviews for Shadow Worlds: A History of the Occult and Esoteric in New Zealand

‘Many good stories . . . plenty of eccentrics . . . surprising cameos’ — Philip Matthews, Stuff,‘So many colourful if not downright outlandish characters’ — Paul Little, North & South,‘Comprehensive’ — David Herkt, Canvas,‘A fascinating, readable book’ — Graham Reid, Kete