The universal scholar Hermann Beckh (1875-1937), Orientalist and Christian priest, 'carried in his soul love for the Word, love for the stars, and love for music'. A long-overdue reassessment of his life's work is presented here, marking the completed publication of his Collected Works in English. Featuring previously unknown items from his literary estate, appreciations by contemporary colleagues and results of current research, this celebration significantly contributes to our understanding of Beckh's achievements. Such a comprehensive 'Renaissance man' as Professor Beckh is rare in an age of specialists. In his search for the eternal sources of Creation, he was inspired by his spiritual teacher, Rudolf Steiner (1861-1925). In anthroposophy, Beckh discovered confirmations of his search into the cultural origins of both East and West. Thus, he applied accurate scholarship and a new thinking in studies devoted to language, music, the origins of speech, the life of Buddha, the secrets of the Gospel, the Apocalypse, and the liturgy. Previously unpublished surveys of Schiller's plays, Wagner's music dramas and research into the Zodiac are included, as well as surviving letters written by Beckh to Rudolf Steiner. Appreciations from ten colleagues - including Rudolf Meyer and Alfred Heidenreich - feature along with ten essays by Neil Franklin, Alan Stott, Katrin Binder and others, exploring what Beckh means in the 21st century. Celebration also pays tribute to Beckh's biographer, Gundhild Kacer-Bock. The book comprises a 'first-and-final' volume - a true commemoration of Beckh's legacy.
HERMANN BECKH (1875-1937) studied Law and later Sanskrit, becoming Professor of Oriental Studies at the University of Berlin. A master of ancient and modern languages, he wrote extensively on religious and philosophical subjects, including Buddhism, Indology, Christianity, Alchemy and Music. In 1911 he heard a lecture by Rudolf Steiner and was inspired to join the Anthroposophical Society, where he soon became a valued co-worker. In 1922, he helped found The Christian Community, a movement for religious renewal. His many books have now been translated from the original German and published in English.
INTRODUCTION FROM THE LITERARY ESTATE Atman and Brahman The Twelve Deeds / Acts of the Buddha The Zodiac and the Human Supersensory Members The Apocalypse and The Act of Consecration of Man The Text of The Act of Consecration of Man in relation to the Text of the Old Latin Mass Richard Wagner's 'Lohengrin': A Pentecostal Mystery The Peoples of Europe in Schiller's Plays: A Pentecostal Mystery Surviving Letters to Rudolf Steiner CELEBRATION: APPRECIATIONS Rudolf Meyer: Memories of Hermann Beckh Harro Ruckner: A Memory of Hermann Beckh Eduard Lenz: From Memories of H.B. Reinhardt Wagner: Memories of H.B. Alfred Heidenreich: In Memoriam Hermann Beckh Wilhelm Hoerner: Decisive Experiences through Hermann Beckh Kurt von Wistinghausen: Hermann Beckh Edzard Clemm: Hermann Beckh, A Sketch of his Life's Motif Gertrud von Hohnorst: Memories of Prof. Beckh Johannes Lenz: Prof. Hermann Beckh ESSAYS IN HONOUR OF HERMANN BECKH Neil Franklin: Introduction Katrin Binder: Buddha's Life & Teaching One Hundred Years On Manfred Kruger: Daniel Simeon and the Sage Asita Susana Ulrich-Alvarez Ulloa: The Search for the Lost Word Oliver Heinl: Prof. Dr Hermann Beckh: Pioneer Linguistic Work in the Light of Christ Alan Stott: Hermann Beckh: Musician-on the occasion of the newly discovered MS: The Mystery of Musical Creativity Neil Franklin: A Title for Beckh's Manuscript? Alan Stott: Celebrating the Musical System: Bach & Chopin Alan Stott: The Music of Freedom: Rudolf Steiner's 'Dry Mathematical Style' Ne il Franklin: 'Farther In!': Hermann Beckh, Passing Through Four Levels of Consciousness GUNDHILD KACER-BOCK: A TRIBUTE Johannes Lenz: A Special Personality. The H.B. Biography-a book review Gundhild Kacer-Bock: The Great Friend Memories & Appreciations of Gundhild Kacer-Bock (1924-2008) Neil Franklin: Up the Stairs: Hermann Beckh and the Divine Feminine 1921-1929 BOOK REVIEWS John's Gospel: The Cosmic Rhythm-Stars and Stones (2022) Hermann Beckh: Life and Work (2016) The Language of the Stars (2021) The Language of Tonality in the Music of Bach to Bruckner (2015) Collected Articles (2023) The Song of the Earth (1935) Kalidasa's Meghaduta (1907) Notes THE WORKS OF PROF. HERMANN BECKH, Dr JUR. ET PHIL.
