The Life Beyond Death

Book excerpt: Followers of the early New Age movement known as New Thought, which was wildly popular at the turn of the 20th century, were intensely interested in gleaning the fruit of all of humanity s spiritual wisdom. Here, in this curious volume originally published in 1909, one of the most influential New Thought writers and editors introduces Western readers to Eastern thought on what, exactly, is on the other side of the river of death. From the geography of the astral plane to the soul-slumber that occurs after death, from communication with spirits to what lies beyond reincarnation, this is a fascinating look at the pop spirituality of a century ago.American writer WILLIAM WALKER ATKINSON (1862 1932) aka Theron Q. Dumont was born in Baltimore and had built up a successful law practice in Pennsylvania before professional burnout led him to the religious New Thought movement. He served as editor of the popular magazine New Thought from 1901 to 1905, and as editor of the journal Advanced Thought from 1916 to 1919. He authored dozens of New Thought books including Arcane Formula or Mental Alchemy and Vril, or Vital Magnetism under numerous pseudonyms, some of which are likely still unknown today.