HARVEY SPENCER LEWIS BIBLIOGRAPHY

(This article was wrote by researcher David T. Rocks and published in the Theosophical History magazine, April 1997, p.215-223.)

 

 

During his twenty-four years as Imperator ⁽¹⁾, Harvey Spencer Lewis (1883-1939), founder of the Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC), made numerous claims of authenticity for himself and for his organization. In doing so AMORC became the target of rival rosicrucian organizations who were also touting their own authenticity. Consequently, allegations by and about Lewis were published so frequently that the only means of determining what was or was not claimed by Lewis requires a thorough examination of his writings.

 

 

MAGAZINES

 

Therefore, the logical starting point for this survey is AMORC’s periodicals because the bulk of Lewis’ claims were published therein. AMORC’s first official periodical was The American Rosae Crucis. Beginning in January 1916 twelve issues comprising volume one were published and, nine issues of volume two were published in 1917. However, by October of 1916 AMORC was experiencing conspicuous difficulty in maintaining its publishing schedule. As a result, nearly every issue of the magazine from that point on carried an editorial comment reflecting their situation. The tone of AMORC’s plea was unmistakable:

 

« Hereafter the magazine will be issued promptly and in order to prevent any delay, or skip of issue, in your receipt of the magazine for the coming year, be sure to send in your renewal for 1917 issues as quickly as possible. »

 

Next, the December 1916 issue was prefaced as follows:

 

« NOTICE TO OUR READERS. This issue is late, but we have gained some on the time lost in the past. This is the second issue we have mailed during the month of February [1917] and in March two more, the January and February [1917] issues, will be mailed. »

 

Then, in April 1917 the editors wrote:

 

« It is useless to comment further on the lateness of our issues. Try as we will, we cannot rush the issuing of our publication without injustice to the quality and diversity of matter we wish to produce. This February issue will be in the mails before May first, although many may not receive it until May. The March issue is under way and will follow in the mails about May 10th to 15th. It may be possible to put the April issue in the mails before June first; if so, we can expect to have the July issue on time by gaining a little each month. »

 

This was followed by the June 1917 notice which read:

 

« IMPORTANT NOTICE. This issue of the magazine is dated June, 1917, although it is Number 3 of Volume 2. Our last issue was dated February, 1917, which was Number 2 of Volume 2. In order to bring our magazine up to date we have secured permission from the Post Office Department to skip three issues and date the present issue June, 1917. To compensate our subscribers for the loss of the March, April and May issues all subscriptions ending in June, 1917, or thereafter will be extended three months. By this means we hope to keep our magazine up to date and to issue it monthly on or about the 10th of the month. »

 

Finally, the discontinuance of The American Rosae Crucis was announced in November of 1917. The two reasons given were:

 

« First, this is one step in our plan for ending, slowly and effectively, the outward, public propaganda of our work. Secondly, the magazine as it has been published during the past two years has not afforded an opportunity for the proper presentation of those articles, subjects and study-references which we would like to place into the hands of our members. Therefore, beginning with January [1918] we will issue a new monthly publication in the form of a unique magazine. »

 

 

At that time, any state with members could be chartered with a Grand Lodge of its own, as was common in Masonry. Also, there were no home-study members or initiations by mail as there are today. Lectures were sent to the Masters of Lodges who read them to the members. In 1918-1919, it was with this in mind that a new publication called Cromaat was introduced, for members only, by special subscription. The seven issues published were lettered A through G, with each issue focusing on a single subject.

 

A - “An International Language for Rosicrucians with Complete Grammar and Dictionary.”

 

The Rosicrucian language was an artificial language based on Esperanto. However, the project was soon discontinued because of time constraints and the lack of qualified personnel to maintain the dictionary and grammar changes.

 

B - “Official Manual for Officers and Members of the AMORC.”

 

This was the first edition of The Rosicrucian Manual (New York: AMORC College Library, 1918).

 

C - “A Complete System of Natural Harmonics.”

 

The law of vibrations and the universal cosmic keyboard were introduced to the membership in this issue. Lewis later incorporated these subjects into the monographs [official teachings] of the Order.

 

D - “The Village of the Devil.”

 

The story written by Lewis was purported to represent one of the oldest traditions of the Order in France, although the tradition was cryptically stated. Later, the story was reprinted for members as a Supplemental Discourse (unofficial teachings in manuscript form).

 

E - “Cosmic Geomancy.”

 

A small amount of the material in this issue was incorporated into the official teachings, however, the greater portion of the material was expanded and became Lewis’ book Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life. (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929).

 

F - “The Imperator’s Personal Message. The Annual Address to all Member’s in which the Imperator Explains the Paramount Problems of our Order.”

 

By this time the organization was on the verge of collapse ⁽²⁾.

 

G - “An Official Communication from the Supreme RC Authorities to the Order in North America.”

 

Lewis published a letter which he claimed was from his superiors in France with his reply to the membership. Surprisingly, this early letter was not included in Ralph Lewis’ ⁽³⁾ book of important Rosicrucian Documents. (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1975).

 

 

In 1920, the April, May, and June issues of The American Rosae Crucis were published as volume three, comprising a total of twenty-four issues of that magazine.

 

Next, eight issues of The Triangle were published between March 23, 1921 and January 24, 1922. Each issue was published in a four page newsletter format. Then, The Triangle was revived as a fourteen-page magazine in August 1923; followed by the September and October issues, it was discontinued with the February 1924 issue.

 

In May 1925, the first issue of The Mystic Triangle appeared and thereafter was published monthly until September, 1929. In October 1929, the magazine’s title was changed to The Rosicrucian Digest. This final change seemed to be part of a program to stabilize the organizations public image. Additionally, the directors of AMORC apparently realized that their magazine could be a more useful tool if made available to members and non-members alike.

 

Therefore, in August 1930 the first issue of The Rosicrucian Forum was introduced as a private publication, for members only, giving AMORC a means of public and of private propaganda. In the preface of his book, Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order, Lewis wrote that:

 

« The history of the Brotherhood must be divided into two general classifications. First, that which has come down to the present time by word of mouth, supported by more or less definite references in ancient writings or symbolical passages in the rituals or teachings; and second, that which is truly historical and supported by the records found in the various branches of the organization throughout the world. » ⁽⁴⁾

 

 

Later, Lewis boasted that “No one has ever [sic] been able to successfully refute the historical outline given by us in our literature.” ⁽⁵⁾ Likewise, Lewis never proved that it was correct.

 

From its inception, The Rosicrucian Digest was published monthly until 1987 when it became a bimonthly publication like The Rosicrucian Forum, which always had been a bimonthly periodical. However, in 1991 both the Digest and the Forum became quarterlies.

 

Interestingly, April 1990 was the seventy-fifth anniversary of AMORC and it passed unnoticed or, rather was surpassed by the news that Imperator (1987-1990) Gary L. Stewart had been removed from office and accused of embezzlement ⁽⁶⁾. That aside, the publications of AMORC are unquestionably the most reliable source of what was or was not claimed by Lewis. Even so, the validity of his claims must be treated as a separate issue.

 

In evaluating claims of Rosicrucian authenticity it would be prudent to bear in mind the admonition of Manly P. Hall (1901-1990):

 

« A book was written [Fama Fraternitatis, 1614] by an unknown person, advancing the claims of an unknown society, making promises that were never fulfilled, and inviting the learned to membership in an organization that never was discovered. The Society of the Rose Cross taught an esoteric philosophy that has never been explained or revealed. It claimed a membership, yet no bona fide member of it has ever been found. And it describes as its founder and originator a man whose identity, concealed under the symbolic letters C.R.C. remains unknown. A stalwart group of followers who admitted that they could not find the society wrote an elaborate literature in defense of it. This literature was answered, at least in part, by a series of theological criticisms and condemnations, and by others who could neither prove nor disprove the existence of the society. Upon this slender and exceedingly attenuated strand of circumstances, a number of modern organizations make high-flown and concrete claims. But these claims, for the most part, evaporate into the same vagueness which surrounded the entire subject for more than three hundred years. » ⁽⁷⁾

 

Accordingly, a bibliography of thirty pamphlets and books by and about Harvey Spencer Lewis follows this survey. Combined with the periodicals, the pamphlets and books should contain sufficient evidence to illustrate what Lewis did or did not claim.

 

 

 

 

 

PAMPHLETS

 

1. The Constitution of the AMORC of North America

 

Adopted and Ratified by all Lodges of this Order, Represented at the First National Convention, Held in Pittsburgh, Pa., July 31-Aug. 4, 1917. To which is added specimen by laws for all lodges. New York: Supreme Grand Lodge, 1917. 20cm x 15cm, pp.30. It is AMORC’s first constitution.

 

 

 

2. Confessio R C Fraternitatis

 

Prepared by Bro. Profundis ⁽⁸⁾. 1918. Third edition. In Five Parts. San Jose: AMORC, 1978. 23.5cm x 15.5cm, pp.14, 23, 14, 14, 12. Harvey Lewis’ confession is now shown only to twelfth degree members. In his introduction, Ralph Lewis wrote that “all of the facts concerning the Order’s reestablishment in this jurisdiction could not be too quickly and frankly divulged.”

 

 

 

3. Rosicrucian Initiation. A Sealed Book of Instructions for Neophyte Initiates

 

Contains information for new members. San Francisco: The National RC Lodge of the AMORC, Copyright ©1921. 23cm x 15.6cm, pp.17, [3].

 

 

 

4. Man Triumphant and the Mastery of Fate

 

It is a promotional Booklet. Containing the Secret Decalogue by H. Spencer Lewis. San Francisco: AMORC Movement, copyright ©1921. 23cm x 15.6cm, [32] pp.

 

 

 

5. Rosicrucian Illumination. A Sealed Book of Information and Preliminary Instruction

 

The Rosicrucian Order of the Aquarian Age by Sri Ramatherio. Third Edition. San Francisco: The Supreme Grand Lodge of the AMORC, [1926]. 23cm x 15.6cm, 28pp.

 

 

 

6. The Light of Egypt

 

The Strange Story of the Rosicrucians by Sri Ramatherio. Tampa, Florida: Rosicrucian Square, 1927. 23cm x 15.6cm, 32pp. Official Publication No. 15. It is a promotional Booklet.

 

 

 

7. The Light of Egypt

 

The Strange Story of the Rosicrucians by Sri Ramatherio. Fourth edition. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge, 1928. 23cm x 15.6cm, pp.34, [2]. It is a promotional Booklet.

 

 

 

8. ‘White Book C’. The Mysterious Origin of the Rosicrucians

 

A Challenge of Facts Accepted by AMORC. San Jose: Supreme Council of AMORC for North America, 1928. 20.7cm x 9.2cm, 40pp. It is AMORC’s official response to Clymer’s allegations.

 

 

 

9. Internationales Hauptquartier von Obersten Rat des Alten Mystischen Ordens Rosae Crucis

 

International Headquarters of the Supreme Council of the Ancient and Mystic Order Rosae Crucis, Berlin, Germany, 1930, Official Communication to all Humanity. I. Manifestatio, II. Invitatio, III. Proclamatio. Issued through the United Organizations of the Rose Cross Ancient Mystical Order Rosae Crucis (AMORC) / Brotherhood of the Rose Cross / Fraternitatis Hermetica Lucis / Ordo Templi Orientis / Collegium Pansophia / Societas Pansophia. This is the Second Official FAMA issued by the Original Fraternity Rosae Crucis since the Seventeenth Century. 23.6cm x 18.5cm, 8pp. Cover title: Pronunziamento to all the World. This fantasy later became an embarrassment to AMORC.

 

 

 

10. The Wisdom of the Sages. A Story of the Rosicrucians by Frater R. T. XII

 

Second Edition. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of the AMORC, 1932. 25cm x 17cm, 32pp. Official Publication No. 16. It is a promotional Booklet.

 

 

 

11. In the Superior Court

 

Santa Clara County, California. ‘Guilty’ is the Verdict of the Judge in this Case of Conspiracy and Libel against the Rosicrucian Brotherhood, AMORC. Of Special Interest to all Freemasons, Theosophists, Rosicrucians and Members of Fraternal Organizations. Editor’s edition. San Jose: Department of Publication, AMORC, 1933. 20.7cm x 9.2cm, 12pp. “(This edition prepared especially for the Editors of Newspapers and Magazines of North America.)”

 

 

 

12. White Book ‘D’. Audi Alteram Partem (Hear the Other Side)

 

San Jose: The Rosicrucian Press, Ltd., 1935. 22.8cm x 15.3cm, 41pp. AMORC’s further reply to the allegations of Clymer, et al.

 

 

 

13. The Secret Heritage. A Sealed Book

 

Profundis XIII. First edition. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1935. 24cm x 17.3cm, 32pp. Official Publication No. 17. Promotional Booklet. Approximately three years after Lewis’ death the contents of the promotional booklets were revised and re-titled “The Mastery of Life”. Official Publication No. 18.

 

 

 

 

 

BOOKS

 

14. A Thousand Years of Yesterdays

 

A Strange Story of Mystic Revelations with an introduction by Reverend George R. Chambers ⁽⁹⁾. San Francisco: AMORC, 1920. 19.5cm x 13cm, 75pp. Although written as fiction, Lewis wrote that this book “will tell you the real facts of reincarnation.” In Chapter 8, Lewis introduced as characters, those whom he claimed authorized him to establish the Rosicrucian Order in America.

 

 

 

15. Unto Thee I Grant

 

Revised by Sri Ramatherio. San Francisco: The Oriental Literature Syndicate, 1925. 18.3cm x 12.4cm, 98pp. Lewis wrote only the preface and notes on the terms used in the manuscript, pp.i-vii, 93-98. He claimed that the book was “translated by special permission of the Grand Lama and Disciples of the Sacred College in the Grand Temple in Tibet.”

 

 

 

16. The Mystical Life of Jesus

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929.  19.5cm x 14cm, 320pp. This was the first of two books relating to this topic. Also see number 25.

 

 

 

17. Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 341pp. + ads. This version of Rosicrucian history has been embellished since its first appearance in the American Rosae Crucis.

 

 

 

18. Rosicrucian Principles for the Home and Business

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 241pp. A self-help book.

 

 

 

19. Self Mastery and Fate with the Cycles of Life

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1929. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 253pp. Although Lewis personally believed in astrology and other pseudo-sciences he was convinced that his system was better.

 

 

 

20. Mansions of the Soul. The Cosmic Conception

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1930. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 338pp. Lewis’ attempt to explain reincarnation in detail.

 

 

 

21. Lemuria. The Lost Continent of the Pacific

 

By W. S. Cervé with a Special Chapter by Dr. James D. Ward ⁽¹⁰⁾. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1931. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 274pp. The author’s name is a pseudonym for H. S. Lewis.

 

 

 

22. The Book of Jasher. One of the Sacred Books of the Bible Long Lost or Undiscovered

 

Now offered in Photographic Reproduction of the Version by Alcuin [1829 edition]. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1934. 27.5cm x 20cm, pp.[4], xi, [3], 63, [1], 9, [1]. Lewis wrote only a preliminary explanation of the text.

 

 

 

23. Secret Symbols of the Rosicrucians

 

An Exact Reproduction of the Original but with the Text and Terms Literally Translated. Limited Edition. Chicago: The Aries Press, 1935. 45.5cm x 30.3cm, pp.xiv, 58. Preface and bibliography by Lewis. Reprinted in 1967 by Abdiel Lodge of Long Beach, CA. Currently published in San Jose.

 

 

 

24. The Symbolic Prophecy of the Great Pyramid

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1936. 19.5cm x 13.3cm, 192pp. A weak contribution to pyramid lore.

 

 

 

25. The Secret Doctrines of Jesus

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1937. 19.5cm x 13.3cm, 237pp. Written as a companion volume to number 16 above.

 

 

 

26. Mental Poisoning

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1937. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, 104pp. Written as a self-help book. Lewis considered himself something of a psychologist.

 

 

 

27. An Anthology of Latin Axioms and Epigrams in Latin and English

 

Compiled, classified, lettered and dedicated to the lovers and students of Philosophy and Metaphysics by John W. Lang. Edition Princeps. Preface by Dr. H. Spencer Lewis. New York: the Author, Copyright ©1942. 14cm x 10cm, 118pp. Preface by Lewis was published posthumously.

 

 

 

28. Essays of a Modern Mystic

 

From the Writings of H. Spencer Lewis, Imperator (1915-1939). San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1962. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, pp.195, [1]. Contains twenty-three articles reprinted from The Rosicrucian Digest and The Rosicrucian Forum. Many of Lewis’ articles were reprinted and sold as booklets.

 

 

 

29. Cosmic Mission Fulfilled by Ralph M. Lewis

 

San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1966. 19.5cm x 13.5cm, pp.379, [1]. Biography of Harvey S. Lewis. Ralph Lewis quoted extensively from his father’s periodical articles and books, as well as from number two above.

 

 

 

30. Rosicrucian Documents

 

AMORC by Ralph M. Lewis. San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1975. 26.8cm x 19.3cm, pp.39, [1]. First edition. Contains three photos and thirty three historical documents with descriptions in English, French, and Spanish. The second edition, 1978, contained changes in text: page 12, Obligation of German Grand Master Wilhelm Raub, dated 1973. Last page [40] has a synoptic history of AMORC.

 

 

* * * * *

 

 

 

Notes

 

1. Although Lewis preferred to call himself Imperator, meaning supreme leader, he laid claim to many other titles during his tenure. A few examples were: Generalissimo, Grand Master General, and Supreme Pontiff.

 

2. R. Swinburne Clymer. The Rosicrucian Fraternity in America. Two volumes (Quakertown, Pa.: The Rosicrucian Foundation, 1935), II: 869. Facsimile Reproduction No. 65. “Grand Imperator Grieved at arrest.” The [New York] Sun (19 June 1918).

 

3. Ralph Maxwell Lewis (1904-1987) was the son and successor of Harvey Spencer Lewis as Imperator (1939-1987). He had previously served as Supreme Secretary of AMORC.

 

4 H. Spencer Lewis. Rosicrucian Questions and Answers with Complete History of the Rosicrucian Order (San Jose: Supreme Grand Lodge of AMORC, 1975), 17. First published in 1929.

 

5. H. Spencer Lewis. “Errors in Rosicrucian History,” The Rosicrucian Forum 7/4 (February, 1937): 112-13.

 

6. Cathie Calvert. “Rosicrucians name new leader.” San Jose Mercury News (February 25, 1987), 4B. Ann W. O’Neill. “Rosicrucian infighting ousts leader.” San Jose Mercury News. (April 18, 1990), 1. Since his case was not adjudicated, Mr. Stewart must be presumed innocent of the charge.

 

7. Manley P. Hall, The Riddle of the Rosicrucians (Los Angeles: Philosophical Research Society, 1941), 14-15.

 

8. The names Brother Profundis, Sri Ramatherio, Frater R. T. XII, and Profundis XIII were a few of the pseudonyms used by Lewis. His initial use of pseudonyms stemmed from the lack of an editorial staff.

 

9. H. Spencer Lewis. “Rev. George Robert Chambers, K.R.C., Grand Master, State Lodge, Iowa Jurisdiction.” The American Rosae Crucis. 1-10 (October, 1916): 17. “Brother Chambers is today the Rector of St. Paul’s Parish in Harlan. He is a Vice-Grand and State Lecturer for the I.O.O.F. in Iowa, Chaplain of a Masonic Lodge, Principal Sojourner of the Royal Arch Masons, Prelate of the Knights Templar. In addition he has been honored with the degrees of Ph.B., Honorary M.A., and D.C.” [Editor’s note: Ph.B. is correct, but what it refers to is unknown. D.C. refers to Doctor of Chiropractic.]

 

10. H. Spencer Lewis. “A Message From India.” By Frater James D. Ward, M. D., F. R. C. The Rosicrucian Digest. 8- 2 (March 1930): 39. “Brother Ward is the only American living today who entered the mystic monasteries of the Arcane schools of India many years ago and pursued the complete course of sacred mystical sciences under the direction of the secret chiefs of the Rosicrucian and Hindu mystic brotherhoods.