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Rudolf Steiner: An Introduction to His Life and Work | 
 enlarge | Author: Gary Lachman
Publisher: Tarcher
Category: Book
List Price: $16.95
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Avg. Customer Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 99880
Media: Paperback
Number Of Items: 1
Pages: 304
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.5
Dimensions (in): 8.2 x 5.4 x 0.9
ISBN: 1585425435
Dewey Decimal Number: 299.935092
EAN: 9781585425433
ASIN: 1585425435
Publication Date: February 1, 2007
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Product Description
The first truly popular biography of the influential twentieth-century mystic and educator who-while widely known for founding the Waldorf schools and other educational and humanitarian movements-remains a mystery to many who benefit from his ideas.
People everywhere have heard of Waldorf schools, Biodynamic farming, Camphill Villages, and other innovations of the Austrian philosopher Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). Indeed, Steiner-as an architect, artist, teacher, and agriculturalist-ranks among the most creative and prolific figures of the early twentieth century, pioneering work in alternative education, holistic health, and environmental research.
While his accomplishments are felt all over the world, few people understand this unusual figure. Steiner's own writings and lectures fill several bookcases, intimidating those who would like to know more. Works on Steiner are often dense and "insider" in tone, further deterring the curious. No popular biography, written by a sympathetic but critical outsider, has been available.
Gary Lachman's Rudolf Steiner provides this missing introduction. Along with telling Steiner's story and placing Steiner in his historical context, Lachman's book presents Steiner's key ideas in a readable, accessible manner. In particular, Lachman considers the spread of Steiner's most popular projects, which include Waldorf schools-one of the leading forms of alternative education-and Biodynamic farming-a popular precursor to organic farming. He also traces Steiner's beginnings as a young intellectual in the ferment of fin de sicle culture, to his rise as a thought leader within the influential occult movement of Theosophy, to the founding of his own metaphysical teaching called Anthroposophy.
Finally, the book illustrates how Steiner's methods are put into practice today, and relates Steiner's insights into cosmology to the work of current thinkers.
Rudolf Steiner is a full-bodied portrait of one of the most original philosophical and spiritual luminaries of the last two centuries, and gives those interested in the history of ideas the opportunity to discover one of the most underappreciated figures of the twentieth century.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Steiner's thought intertwined with his life story August 17, 2008
This work leaves the impression that it is not possible to discuss either the thought or life story of Rudolf Steiner separately. It is a very good introduction and should be the first book read by someone seeking to understand this prolific man who has contributed so many great things to society. Steiner's own writings are very dense and it is quite helpful to have a base foundation for his life and ideas before undertaking the task of seriously studying him.
The book follows a chronological path, details of which can be dry reading, but Lachman explains how this is necessary to understand the evolution of Steiner's writing. Lachman also does an excellent job of explaining the major influences and events that shaped the character of this great man, especially how he evolved from spiritual philosopher to spiritual teacher. Some of the more notable stories include how Steiner was given the task of editing Goethe's collected works, how Steiner decided to open up his inner world to the public, the founding of the Anthroposophical Society, the (re-)building of the Goetheanum, as well as people he helped along the way.
The first half of the book is mostly biographical, but it is in the latter half where the reader will understand the theories that made this man so prolific and revered. Steiner called his work Spiritual Science, in that his teachings were not to be taken as abstract theories, but as actual realities that we can all experience given the proper development of our higher faculties. The path of self-initiation into these higher worlds is, for Steiner, clear thinking, as it is thought that links us to spirit.
It could be said that Steiner made it his life's work to boil down the essence of the esoteric doctrines of the ages into clear understandable prose the whole world could understand, made available to all those who choose this path. However Steiner's own writings, even the most introductory ones, are very dense and require careful study.
This book by Gary Lachman does an excellent job of presenting Steiner in a readable form. Reading Steiner directly at first may be a hindrance without having a proper footing in the history and landscape of ideas out of which Steiner's thought grew. This book is highly recommended as the place to begin understanding Spiritual Science.
 tribute to an unusual human being June 8, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
Rudolf Steiner evidently led such a multi-faceted existence that even after 236 pages of text, this book still leaves him largely a mystery. There is enough material here to satisfy the somewhat-curious or to be used as a springboard for those who really want to delve into Steiner. The mode of portrayal is even-handed, for even as Lachman is well-disposed toward his subject, he also exerts his critical faculty when needed. Lachman's opinion is that some of Steiner's esoteric beliefs stretch credibility pretty thinly; however, many worthwhile and practical accomplishments derived from those unorthodox beliefs. This book is mainly a chronological account from birth to death; of Steiner's progression from rustic scholar to founder of an esoteric society, with brief accounts of some of his spiritual or, occult, perceptions. There is a good account of the role Steiner played on the world stage from World War One until his death in 1925. There is no attempt here at an in-depth exposition of his ideas. Lachman refers to the immense legacy of Steiner's writings and lectures for those who want to try to comprehend it, as well as studies by other writers. Although dismissive of most of the works on occult subjects,such as Atlantis and Rosicrucianism, he is not dismissive of the man. Lachman regards Steiner as having been an almost-saintly, enormously talented figure who struggled against powerful forces to change the world for the better. His ideas are influential today in many fields,such as alternative medicine,organic farming and education. My own interest in Steiner was aroused after having read two books which presented alternatives to current scientific thinking. Both authors acknowledged the influence of Steiner as well as Goethe(who was a major influence on Steiner). For anyone interested,these books are: Thinking Beyond Darwin by Ernst-Michael Kranich, and Genetics and the Manipulation of Life by Craig Holdrege. Lachman highlights Steiner's belief that the materialism of this age bodes ill for humanity and must be resisted by seeking spiritual knowledge. I believe anyone interested in extraordinary people would enjoy this book.
A Great Introduction To A Brilliant Mind April 26, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
I first came upon Steiner in one of my Religion classes. I was given a cursory overview of his work and was more than intrigued. We had a Steiner expert come to speak to us and he recommended this book--and with good reason. Lachman's work is extraordinary. He possesses an uncanny ability to seamlessly intertwine Steiner's personal and professional lives with the troubles and events of the times he lived in, all the while elucidating his major teachings. His writing is very readable and bereft of any condescension; he writes in almost 'plain speaking.' For anyone interested in Steiner, this is a great starting point.
Excellent overview June 30, 2007
1 out of 3 found this review helpful
A good introduction to Rudolf Steiner's life and times. And it is not written by a follower of Steiner, which is both a strength and a weakness. Lachman can be clear and objective, but his distance doesn't always equal insight.
A great biography April 8, 2007
3 out of 3 found this review helpful
Lachman's biography of Steiner is one of the best yet attempted, and I've read twelve (including most of the German biographies). It serves as an excellent introduction to the man and the essential scope of his work, putting both in the context of the intellectual currents of the times. It is balanced and sensible in its judgments, and Lachman demonstrates both understanding and independence in his evaluation of a sometimes controvertial figure.
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