When Daylight Comes: Biography of Helena Petrovna Blavatsky

by Howard Murphet

Controversial Russian occultist H.P. Blavatsky has earned astonished praise from such
prominent scientists as Einstein and Thomas Edison,
as well as many great philosophers and religious leaders.
Portions of Blavatsky's teachings "have been incorporated into virtually every occult group," according to Charles Godwin in Occult America.

Genres: Nonfiction

277 pages, Paperback

First published June 25, 1987

Reviews

[Vance · Rating 1 out of 5]

My daughter made me aware of Blavatsky, referencing her esoteric ground breakers "Isis Unveiled" and "The Secret Doctine"...so I was curious to learn about her. While I remain unconvinced she was a charlatan who committed fraud for money and recognize she introduced many to religious ideologies from the East, at best I consider her deluded. I was hoping for an unbiased introduction to her life, but the author was clearly a rabid supporter from the first sentence and accepts every fantastical incident connected to Blavatsky...while simultaneously dashing everyone who challenged Blavatsky with the same lack of evidence to support any of her miracles.

At the end of the day it was mildly entertaining, if not well written (Murphet has filled my quota for hearing "old chum" and "flapdoodle" for the rest of my life...and however many more I need to endure!). It seems there is no consensus whether Helena ever went to Tibet, though this seems beyond question within this presentation, so while I believe I learned the fundamentals of a very interesting life, the dose of fiction mixed in is unknown.

[Nicole Lewis · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought it was a decent portrayal of a woman who’s life was pretty controversial. The author tried to explain why she did what she did and I appreciate that.

[Kate · Rating 3 out of 5]

A little fantastical in style. Gives a good overview of Blavatsky's life :)