The Curious Collection of Mr. Hyde: The World of Western Esotericism
Anne Bahde, Rebecca Moore
Journal of Religious & Theological Information November 30, 2009 DOI: 10.1080/10477841003716321 (opens in new tab)
Study at a glance
AI-extracted from the abstract| Characteristics | Historical analysis Peer reviewed |
|---|---|
| Key points | Argues that Lawrence Kaye Hyde's esoteric library at San Diego State University provides a valuable resource for studying Western Esotericism, illustrating key concepts like gnosis, concordance, and the cultic milieu through his organizational memberships and correspondence. |
Abstract
A collection of books, ephemera, and correspondence belonging to Lawrence Kaye Hyde located in the San Diego State University Library provides an intriguing glimpse into 19th- and 20th-century Western Esotericism. Hyde belonged to numerous metaphysical organizations and maintained a wide-ranging correspondence with religious thinkers around the world. By considering Hyde's unique esoteric library against the backdrop of current scholarship in Western Esoteric Studies, this article examines key concepts in the field (such as gnosis, concordance, and the cultic milieu) and assesses the collection's potential for supporting research in this emerging discipline.