Watkins Books
Encyclopedia
Watkins Books is London's oldest esoteric bookshop specializing in esotericism, mysticism, occultism, oriental religion and contemporary spirituality.
The book store was established by John M. Watkins, a friend of Madame Blavatsky
, in 1897 at 26 Charing Cross. John Watkins had already been selling books via a catalog that he began publishing in March of 1893. The first biography of Aleister Crowley
mentions that Crowley made all of the books in Watkins disappear, and magically reappear.
Geoffrey Watkins (1896-1981) owned and managed the store after his father. He was also an author and publisher, with notable books including first publishing Carl Gustav Jung's 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos.
In 1901, Watkins Books moved to 21 Cecil Court
where it has been continuously trading ever since. It publishes a magazine called the Watkins Review, which has featured leading authors from mind-body-spirit and esoteric fields. The Spring 2011 issue of the Watkins Review, ranks the worlds top 100 most spiritually influential living people.
Watkins Books has been owned by Etan Ilfeld
since March of 2010. Since then, a new website has been launched, and the store regularly hosts book launches and signings for leading figures in the MBS field. Additionally, the Watkins website has integrated a spiritual map of London that everyone is invited to contribute to.
The book store was established by John M. Watkins, a friend of Madame Blavatsky
Madame Blavatsky
Helena Petrovna Blavatsky , was a theosophist, writer and traveler. Between 1848 and 1875 Blavatsky had gone around the world three times. In 1875, Blavatsky together with Colonel H. S. Olcott established the Theosophical Society...
, in 1897 at 26 Charing Cross. John Watkins had already been selling books via a catalog that he began publishing in March of 1893. The first biography of Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley
Aleister Crowley , born Edward Alexander Crowley, and also known as both Frater Perdurabo and The Great Beast, was an influential English occultist, astrologer, mystic and ceremonial magician, responsible for founding the religious philosophy of Thelema. He was also successful in various other...
mentions that Crowley made all of the books in Watkins disappear, and magically reappear.
Geoffrey Watkins (1896-1981) owned and managed the store after his father. He was also an author and publisher, with notable books including first publishing Carl Gustav Jung's 1925 edition of Septem Sermones ad Mortuos.
In 1901, Watkins Books moved to 21 Cecil Court
Cecil Court
Cecil Court is a pedestrian street with Victorian shop-frontages in London, England linking Charing Cross Road and St. Martin's Lane. Since the 1930s it has been known as the new Booksellers' Row and it is sometimes used as a location by film companies...
where it has been continuously trading ever since. It publishes a magazine called the Watkins Review, which has featured leading authors from mind-body-spirit and esoteric fields. The Spring 2011 issue of the Watkins Review, ranks the worlds top 100 most spiritually influential living people.
Watkins Books has been owned by Etan Ilfeld
Etan Ilfeld
Etan Ilfeld is a London-based entrepreneur and the owner of Watkins Books, London's oldest spiritual bookshop. Ilfeld is also the editor-in-chief of the Watkins Review and the creator of an interactive spiritual map of London...
since March of 2010. Since then, a new website has been launched, and the store regularly hosts book launches and signings for leading figures in the MBS field. Additionally, the Watkins website has integrated a spiritual map of London that everyone is invited to contribute to.