First published in 1959 and reprinted in 1971 this book is written for all who are concerned to find the truth about life. It is largely based on the private mystical and semi-mystical experiences confided to Dr Johnson by people in the everyday world who, recognising the validity of his work, were impelled to write to him. After prefacing these accounts with a framework of clarifying ideas the author then endeavours to show their relationship to the stages of the mystic way as expounded by the great Masters. With tolerant understanding that was his hallmark he discusses the relationship of mysticism with religion, occultism and, perhaps most importantly, its coming about in the ordinary person's life. The book includes a solid core of mystical experience which Dr Johnson classifies in ascending order of depth and importance - 'In most religions the ultimate verities are believed - and may therefore be doubted; in mysticism they are experienced, and doubt is no longer possible.'
About the author
Raynor Johnson, born in Leeds 1901, graduated from Balliol College, Oxford with a First in Arts. He then took a First in Science at London before becoming a Doctor of Science specialising in spectroscopy. For eleven years until 1934 he lectured first at Queen's University, Belfast and then Kings College, London before becoming Master of Queen's College, University of Melbourne. There he remained for thirty years until his retirement in 1964. When Raynor Johnson died in 1987 at the age of 86 much was written about this remarkable physicist, mystic, and former Master of Queen's College Melbourne University. Perhaps the most telling obituary comment was the portrayal by an ex-student of a gentle, humorous and modest man of the utmost integrity and sincerity whose thinking, although most profound, was always subjected to a rigorous appraisal. He had a gift for making his students feel on equal terms and was possessed of 'a humility and openness that left a lasting impression on those fortunate enough to have known him'.
