As an Early Americanist, I have always had a fascination with the rise of Spiritualism and the Occult in Nineteenth-Century America and its influence on literature. So, when I was reading the new Conan comic series (more on this in future posts) a while back and came across a mention of Madame Blavatsky and Theosophy, I just had to dive in a bit.
That being said, I am on a research journey here, so some of the things in these posts may be off. I am learning as I go and am in no way an expert. Even my expertise in Early American literature (I have a Ph.D. in the area) leans a bit earlier. So, bear with me and pop in the comments if you have any thoughts or knowledge.
I also am using the new and fascinating technology of NotebookLM while researching the subject. The podcast that we have here was created from uploading the first chapter of H. P. Blavatsky’ 1877 work on science and religion, Isis Unveiled.
I have been playing with NotebookLM for a while now and have used the podcast feature to create some guides for students in my classes. Though it can be a little silly at times, it provides an interesting focus on the reading and adds some context as well.
As far as my thoughts on Chapter One, I can see how Robert E. Howard and many other writers could delve into Blavatsky’s focus on mathematics, ancient cultures, and magic as prime ideas for exploration and imagination. Her focus on ancient texts and the melding of religious ideas is fertile ground.
On the flip side, I can see a good bit of our modern leaning toward conspiracy theories here as well. These connections between so many things remind me of someone trying to combine many puzzles into one divine puzzle.
That being said, let me know what you think of the ideas and the NotebookLM Podcast.
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