L. W. de Laurence

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L. W. de Laurence

L. W. de Laurence was an American author, publisher, and occultist who made a significant impact in the early 20th century through his works on occultism, spiritualism, and mysticism. Born in 1868, de Laurence's contributions to the field of esoteric knowledge have been both celebrated and controversial. He is perhaps best known for his company, the De Laurence, Scott & Co., which specialized in the publication and distribution of spiritual and occult texts.

Early Life

Little is known about the early life of L. W. de Laurence. He emerged into public consciousness in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, a time when interest in spiritualism and the occult was burgeoning in the United States and abroad.

Career

De Laurence's career is marked by his prolific writings and the establishment of his publishing company. He authored several influential books, including The Great Book of Magical Art, Hindu Magic and East Indian Occultism and The Mystic Test Book of "The Hindu Occult Chambers". These works offered comprehensive overviews of various aspects of occult practices and were instrumental in disseminating esoteric knowledge to a broader audience.

His publishing company, De Laurence, Scott & Co., based in Chicago, Illinois, became a cornerstone in the world of occult publishing. It provided a platform for numerous authors to share their works on magic, astrology, divination, and other mystical subjects. De Laurence's catalog, which was widely distributed, included not only his writings but also a vast array of titles on occult sciences, many of which were rare texts from around the world that he republished.

Controversies

De Laurence's career was not without its controversies. He was accused of plagiarism, most notably for his work on The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses, which he claimed to have translated and for which he faced criticism for copyright infringement. Additionally, his practices and the nature of his business led to accusations of charlatanism by some contemporaries.

In certain parts of the world, notably in the Caribbean and West Africa, de Laurence's name became synonymous with powerful occult forces. His books and the catalog of his company were believed to possess magical powers in themselves, leading to a blend of reverence and fear among those who encountered his work.

Legacy

L. W. de Laurence's legacy is a complex one. On one hand, he is recognized as a pioneer in the field of occult publishing, whose efforts helped to make esoteric knowledge accessible to a wider audience. On the other hand, his reputation is marred by allegations of unethical practices.

Despite the controversies, de Laurence's influence on the occult and spiritualist movements of the early 20th century is undeniable. His works continue to be sought after by collectors and practitioners of the occult, and his impact on the popularization of occult knowledge persists.

See Also

• Occultism
• Spiritualism
• Mysticism