Gods of the Upper Air is a captivating book that delves into the history of the occult and esoteric movements in Russia and the United States. Written by Charles King, the book explores how these movements influenced the political, social, and cultural landscape of both countries. In this summary, we will provide an overview of the book’s main ideas and themes, as well as summarize each chapter.
Introduction
Gods of the Upper Air begins by introducing the reader to the concept of the occult and esoteric movements. The author explains that these movements were not just fringe groups, but rather had a significant impact on the development of modern society. He also emphasizes the importance of understanding these movements in order to fully grasp the history of both Russia and the United States.
Chapter 1: The Russian Occult
The first chapter of Gods of the Upper Air focuses on the occult movement in Russia. The author explains how the Russian occult was heavily influenced by Western esotericism, but also had its own unique characteristics. He also discusses how the Russian occult was often used as a means of protest against the oppressive Tsarist regime.
Chapter 2: The American Occult
The second chapter shifts the focus to the United States and explores the development of the occult movement there. The author explains how the American occult was influenced by both Western esotericism and Eastern spirituality, and how it played a significant role in the counterculture movements of the 1960s and 1970s.
Chapter 3: The Politics of the Occult
In the third chapter, the author examines the relationship between the occult and politics. He explains how the occult was often used as a means of political protest and how it influenced the development of new political ideologies. He also discusses how the occult was used by both the Soviet Union and the United States as a means of psychological warfare during the Cold War.
Chapter 4: The Social Impact of the Occult
The fourth chapter explores the social impact of the occult. The author explains how the occult played a significant role in the development of new social movements, such as feminism and gay rights. He also discusses how the occult influenced the development of new forms of art and literature.
Chapter 5: The Cultural Legacy of the Occult
The fifth and final chapter of Gods of the Upper Air examines the cultural legacy of the occult. The author explains how the occult has continued to influence contemporary culture, including popular music, film, and television. He also discusses how the occult has been used as a means of promoting spirituality and personal growth in the modern world.
Conclusion
Gods of the Upper Air is a fascinating book that provides a comprehensive overview of the history of the occult and esoteric movements in Russia and the United States. Through his extensive research and analysis, Charles King shows how these movements had a significant impact on the political, social, and cultural landscape of both countries. Overall, this book is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the occult and esoteric movements, as well as the development of modern society.
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