Gottfried de Purucker was born on January 15, 1874, at Suffern, New York, son of an Anglican minister who for some years served as chaplain of the American Church in Geneva, Switzerland. In preparation for the ministry he specialized in Hebrew, Latin, Greek, and the writings of the early Church Fathers. However, study of Eastern philosophies and Sanskrit literature led him to theosophy with its broad comprehension of religion, philosophy, and science. After working closely with Katherine Tingley, he succeeded her as head of The Theosophical Society from 1929 until his death in Covina, California, on September 27, 1942. Perhaps his greatest contribution to the theosophical movement was his elucidation of the writings of H. P. Blavatsky, particularly her Secret Doctrine. (Link to Biographical Sketch.)
Books by and about G. de Purucker published by Theosophical University Press:
Fundamentals of the Esoteric Philosophy (Full-text online)
The Esoteric Tradition (Full-text online)
Fountain-Source of Occultism (Full-text online)
The Path of Compassion (Full-text online)
Occult Glossary (Full-text online)
Man in Evolution (Full-text online)
Wind of the Spirit (Full-text online)
Golden Precepts of Esotericism (Full-text online)
The Four Sacred Seasons (Full-text online)
The Dialogues of G. de Purucker (Full-text online only)
Studies in Occult Philosophy (Full-text online)
Sunrise Special Issue 2000: Gottfried de Purucker (1874 - 1942) (Full-text online)
Books by and about G. de Purucker from other publishers available through TUP:
Messages to Conventions and Other Writings (Full-text online)
Books by G. de Purucker available only in full-text online editions from TUP Online
Encyclopedic Theosophical Glossary (Editor-in-Chief)