Publisher's Synopsis
The polymath Hermann BECKH (1875-1937) is being rediscovered today. The present volume introducing the Collected Works in English contains a substantial essay, a decisive lecture a precious article, and an inspired sermon. These key documents, written during the difficult 'twenties, now collected and translated for the first time, show the calibre of the author. His importance, highlighted in the Introduction, is confirmed by the appreciations of his grateful colleagues, collected in the Appendix. For Beckh, if our civilisation is to survive, it has to be balanced by spiritual research, by active, meditative discoveries in the realm of the living spirit. Facing all-out disaster, no quick nostrum will do, but most potent renewal is required. This brilliant lawyer gave up his position as a judge because he wanted to help rather than convict. The Orientalist and Tibetan specialist refused a position as Professor Emeritus at Germany's premier University, in order to devote his energies to develop Anthroposophy that researches the total human being. In 1922 Beckh became a founder member of the Movement for Religious Renewal; at the spiritual helm, he inspired the first generation of priests with his teaching. Today, we are catching up with this neglected master, who interprets his own unique vision of a human future. "An abundance of books came into existence whose significance perhaps will only be properly appreciated in the future" (Lic. Emil Bock. 1959). That future could be today, almost one hundred years on, as we face global issues."
