The Wonderful Story of Ravalette
by Paschal Beverly Randolph
The Wonderful Story of Ravalette by Paschal Beverly Randolph, who was one of the greatest of all occult authors, is one of the most interesting works of American occult fiction. Originally published in 1863, this sequel to the author’s novel, Dhoula Bel, is here presented in its first finely-printed version.
The novel follows the protagonist, Beverly Randolph, who embarks on a quest for esoteric knowledge and personal enlightenment. His journey begins when he encounters the mysterious and enchanting figure of Ravalette, a being of profound mystical significance. Ravalette introduces Beverly to a world of hidden truths, spiritual practices, and arcane wisdom. Beverly's adventures take him through various exotic locations and lead him into contact with diverse characters, each contributing to his understanding of the mystical and the spiritual. The narrative is rich with descriptions of mystical experiences, rituals, and esoteric teachings that reflect Randolph's own deep involvement in the occult. Throughout the story, Beverly's relationship with Ravalette evolves, revealing deeper layers of meaning and insight. Ravalette serves as both a guide and a challenge, pushing Beverly to confront his limitations and expand his consciousness. The novel explores themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of higher knowledge, and the transformative power of mystical experiences.
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Table of Contents
Introductory
The Wonderful Story of Ravalette
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Hardcover Edition - limited to 190 copies
216 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: 9781645251736
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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 website - 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.”
