Theos-Talk Archives (November 1998 Message tt00102)

>
>Dear Doss, I agree fully that John Coats died too much (as John Cooper,
>too). Coats preferred an "open shop" policy. After him the Adyar policy
>turned again to the closed shop policy. Why? Do they fear something? Why are
>the diaries of Annie Besant and Charles Leadbeater are not published? Why
>not their esoteric talks (excerpt some her and then)? It would help many
>students to came to their own conclusions.
>Good to know that you knew him personally and were witness of his good
>influence. Hope some equal comes in soon.
>
>Frank

Dear Frank:

My knowledge of Coats was minimal. However, his election was welcomed by
the rank and file workers and he made all of them feel as equals, in the
true spirit of brotherhood.

Have you read the book "Is This Theosophy?" by Ernest Wood? He was the
private secretary for CWL for several years and was also one of the
instructors of Krishnamurti and after Besant's death he ran for the
Presidency. The unofficial thrust was that the Masters wanted Arundale to
succeed and was elected. After that Wood was marginalized by party liners
and their leaders and spent his final years in Houston, Texas.

Anyone interested in the history of Theosophy should read Wood's book,
which was published in 1936 and is exceedingly rare. I have seen only *two*
copies in the last several decades. The owner of one did not even know the
rarity of the book and is in excellent condition. I told him to let me know
if he ever decides to get rid of it.

....doss

PS:

You may not find it easily. It is reported that from many libraries it was
thrown out by partyline enthusiasts who did not want new members to read
the book. That seems to be one of the reasons for its rarity.