Very readable and I definitely learned about Steiner and his times. I'll never be a convert to Anthroposophy, but I have a new understanding of his very interesting life. ( )

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. ( )