Dhoula Bel, or The Magic Globe
by Paschal Beverly Randolph
Dhoula Bel, or The Magic Globe has long been considered the great “lost novel” of Paschal Beverly Randolph, who was one of the greatest of all occult authors. The novel, very likely, was never actually published in book form, and it originally appeared under the byline “The Rosicrucian,” in the weekly paper The Spiritual Age, in nine instalments, published between December 17, 1859 and February 11, 1860, the latter date being the date of the final issue of the paper. The current volume brings together the entirety of the serial, and though the novel is in an “unfinished” state, it is the longest work of fiction ever published by Randolph. The novel, furthermore, was only the second novel to be published in the United States by an African American and the first to be published by an African American man.
The story follows the protagonist, Dhoula Bel—a seeker navigating a world of symbolism, occult practices, and spiritual insights. Randolph’s literary style is both lyrical and philosophical, making the book a profound read that encourages the reader to reflect on the inner and outer dimensions of human existence. Set against the backdrop of the 19th century, the novel reflects the influences of Transcendentalism and esotericism, movements that were gaining significant traction in the United States at the time. Paschal Beverly Randolph was a pioneer of modern esotericism and an ardent advocate of Rosicrucianism. As one of the first African American spiritualists and occultists, Randolph brought a unique perspective to spiritual literature. His own experiences with the occult, his travels, and his deep interest in the mysteries of human existence found expression in this novel. Randolph’s efforts to foster an intercultural dialogue on spirituality are clearly evident in this work. Dhoula Bel is an essential read for those interested in the intersection of literature, spirituality, and the occult. It invites readers to explore the multifaceted meanings of mysticism and personal transformation. Anyone wishing to delve into the mysteries of human life will find a wealth of inspiration in this novel.
This unique volume is subsidised by a scholarly afterword by Brendan Connell and four highly interesting appendices which revolve around Dhoula Bel and some of the background to its composition.
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Table of Contents
Introduction
Dhoula Bel
Afterword
Appendix A
Appendix B
Appendix C
Appendix D
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Hardcover Edition - limited to 330 copies
266 pages. Thread-stitched and lithographically printed in Italy on a fine 140 g/m Italian rough ivory paper with raspberry-coloured Sirio endpapers. The cover is printed on snow-coloured Fedrigoni Imitlin, with a dustjacket printed on a highly unique craft paper from a different Italian manufacturer—a 250 g/m sustainable black paper made in part from recycled wool and cotton.
ISBN: 9781645251613
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Press, reviews, endorsements
Profile of Paschal Beverly Randolph’s substantial contributions to occultism on the US Grand Lodge of the Ordo Templi Orientis - read it here
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About the Author
Paschal Beverly Randolph (1825–1875) was an African-American medical doctor, occultist, spiritualist, trance medium, and writer. According to A. E. Waite, he established the earliest known Rosicrucian order in the United States. He may have also been the first to introduce the principles of erotic alchemy to North America. From the US Grand Lodge of the O.T.O:
“Dr. P. B. Randolph is either the author or the key Western transmitter of the core magical teaching of the Ordo Templi Orientis. Either way, the only thing remarkable at this point is why his name did not appear initially among the list of Saints read out in The Gnostic Mass. His elevation to the Order of the Lion by U.S. Grand Lodge of the OTO has done much to redress this omission. His contributions to the core teaching of the Western Magical Tradition are difficult to measure but very substantial–essential, in fact.”
