Apollonius of Tyana, the Philosopher-Reformer of the First Century A.D (ePub)

George Robert Stow Mead, known as G. R. S. Mead, was a respected English historian, writer, editor, lecturer, and scholar of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. His extensive work in the field of religious studies, particularly Gnosticism and Hermeticism, has had a lasting impact on the esoteric literature. Born on March 22, 1863, Mead was an ardent student of the Classics and early Christian writings, which later informed his scholarly pursuits. He was a key figure in the Theosophical Society, having served as the private secretary to Madame Helena Petrovna Blavatsky, a co-founder of the Society. This role significantly influenced his thought process and scholarship.

After Blavatsky's death, Mead focused increasingly on scholarly research and writing. Among his respected works is 'Apollonius of Tyana, the Philosopher-Reformer of the First Century A.D' (1901), in which he explores the life and teachings of Apollonius, drawing parallels between him and Jesus. His detailed analysis reflects Mead's keen interest in the intersection of religion and philosophy and his commitment to unveiling the less trodden paths of religious history. Known for his intellectual rigor and incisive analysis, Mead's writings continue to offer valuable insights into early Christian and Hellenistic thought. Mead's literary style is characterized by thoroughness and a scholarly approach that aimed not just to inform but to raise the intellectual spirit of his readership.