Written in 1904 (CW 9)

Theosophy is a key work for gaining a solid footing in spiritual reality as described by Rudolf Steiner. It is organized into four parts. First, Steiner builds a comprehensive understanding of human nature: physical bodily nature; soul qualities; spirit being, or "I"-being; and the higher spiritual aspects. This leads us to Steiner's description of the human being as sevenfold: 1) Material, physical body; 2) Ether body, or body of life forces; 3) Sentient soul body; 4) Mind soul; 5) Spirit-filled consciousness soul; 6) Life spirit; and 7) Spirit body.

In the next section, Steiner offers an extraordinary overview of the laws of reincarnation and the principles of karma, as we pass from one life to the next. This prepares us for the third section, in which he shows the various ways in which we live-during life on earth and after death and in the three worlds of body, soul, and spirit.

Finally, we are given a succinct description of the path of knowledge, along which each person can begin to understand the marvelous and harmonious complexity of the psycho-spiritual worlds in their fullness.

The Chadwick Library Edition represents an endeavor to republish-mostly in new or thoroughly revised English translations-several written works of Rudolf Steiner. The edition is named for the late horticulturist Alan Chadwick, whose life and work has served as inspiration to the small group from which the idea originated. Our extensive experience with special bindings led to the selection-for this "trade edition" of 750 books-of a leather spine binding, cloth sides, and a light slipcase. For the hand-numbered edition (100 books), the binding is full leather with a hand-gilt top of the pages in a fine, stiff, cloth-covered slipcase. The leather is blue calfskin, and the title stamping on the spines is in genuine gold leaf. All of this is being carried out by hand at one of the finest binders, Ruggero Rigoldi.

Theosophy is a translation of " Theosophie, Einfuhrung in ubersinnliche Welterkenntnis und Menschenbestimmung " (GA 9).