Books I have read, and valued.

I list here many of the spiritual books that I have read, and my impressions of them.

Many of these have a PDF format available, which is an e-book format. The standard program for reading that pdf format, is a free download from Adobe. There is an alternate free program, that is much smaller to download, although it sometimes does not have the same clarity when viewing files. But if you have a dial up connection, Adobe is quite large.

	The Gospel of God's Love Book I - The Padgett Messages This is the most recent compilation of the Padgett Messages and is a very fine publication. It includes the dates of the messages, which have only recently been attributed. The book can be purchased from Amazon. A list of other Padgett related publications is available on this page.
	Through the Mists Robert James Lees This book was recorded by James Lees in 1898, and had 20 reprints by 1952 when it went out of print. It is apparently a story related verbatim, as the spirit materialised and spoke to James Lees, who simply wrote down what he heard. This is a rather rare way of communicating, it must be said. I would rate this as one of the finest expositions of the spirit worlds, albeit that the language is perhaps too flowery for today's audience. If you put up with the slow pace, you will learn a lot about the next realm. This book covers many Spiritual Laws along the way, as the spirit tells of his first few weeks in "heaven". If you are a lover of the Bible, you may be amazed at the different turn put on many well known phrases, but if you are not a Christian, this may irritate. There is more to tell, and perhaps the sequel may tell that, but as an introduction, it is very comprehensive. I am indebted to a fellow enthusiast who has created a pdf, so that you can enjoy this book without charge. Again give it time to download. Then save it locally on your computer to read at leisure. If you would like a newly printed copy, you can get one here, as secondhand copies are scarce.
	The Life Elysian Robert James Lees. This is the second book in a set of three. It was initially published seven years after "Through the Mists", in 1905. I was frankly completely astounded how the material in this book aligns with that delivered by James Padgett from 1913 on. The book is in fact an attempt to set straight what Jesus really taught. As such it uses a large number of Bible quotations, and frequently the interpretation laid on these is both clear and novel. The book also covers a number of topics of great interest to folks, such as the issue of children lost in their early years. It is particularly good in its explanation of the purpose of the earthbound state, as I have not previously seen that covered, and did not realise that it had a purpose. It is also very good in explaining how it is that Father helps us, when we cry out for help. There is also a fascinating glimpse of the issue of our being frequently in spirit during the sleep state, and thus being able to recognise many old friends when we finally arrive in spirit. A pdf is available from another site, where it has been created by a fellow enthusiast. Give it time to download. A newly printed copy can be had here, as secondhand copies are now scarce.
	The Gate of Heaven Robert James Lees I was frankly somewhat disappointed with this book, the final book in a set of three. Perhaps I should not have been? This book confirms the intriguing, and critically important spiritual information conveyed in both the Padgett Messages and the Urantia Book that their lies a dimension beyond the Spirit World. But I was looking for more. Some confirmation of how Aphraar got to that point. Some differentiation between those that pass through the Gate and those who do not. I could not find that, but perhaps I was being too hard? A pdf of this book is available here, and a newly printed copy is available here.
	Spirit World and Spirit Life Charlotte Elizabeth Dresser Now that I have read so much on the life after death, this is really a book I might have selected as a starter. The reason for that is I believe there is very little error in this book. And it does help if the first few books you read are accurate. This book is not one that portrays any philosophy of how the spirit world is organised. And is somewhat limited in explaining progression. But it does a really great job of trying to explain how they live, move, talk, what they do, what their houses are like, how they make music etc. The final chapter on the education of children is really good too. While we are never going to totally understand how things are in the spiritual realm until we get there, this book gets as close as any I have found. One chapter I would have preferred to have seen left out, and that is the one on aliens. Not that I am a disbeliever in that topic, but as presented one gets the idea that Mars is covered with inhabited settlements. And seeing as we have had a pretty close look at Mars, that statement is preposterous. Other sources suggest all habitation on that planet is below the surface, and that may be the explanation. Pdf Copy here.
	Life Here and Hereafter by Charlotte Elizabeth Dresser This is a continuation of "Spirit World and Spirit Life" by Charlotte Elizabeth Dresser, also a fabulous book. Actually however, it is a very different book, and is only partly her work. The pdf is available here Pdf Copy For me this book was really a missing link. The missing link between "30 Years among the dead" and the various Padgett related messages on life after death. It is a large number of case studies of a human working with a celestial support group tasked with awakening these recently departed folks. Finally I have a very clear idea of how the majority of us typically awaken in the next realm. And it's a sad scene. Apparently 75% of us mortals awake into darkness and confusion, with minds in a dream state, unable to see anything or hear anything. Some are relatively quickly taught how to awaken their spiritual sight, and hearing, and then progress as expected. Some are so caught up in their original earth beliefs, that they take a lot of work to awaken, insisting that they are not dead, because they are "alive" etc. Others (relatively few) may apparently take centuries to come out of this zombie like state. These are not folks that are bad either, just folks who never gave a thought to life after death. One can see how "earth bounds" occur, and one case of obsession is handled as well, although very interestingly this is a case of two ex-mortals being attached to another ex-mortal. I did not imagine obsession of one spirit by another could occur. This book also has two very interesting sections right at the end. One is on the subject of thoughts, and how they actually influence the mind. The other is on the location of what I suspect is the First Sphere.
	When Ghosts Speak by Mary Ann Winkowski. The author has been able to see and converse with earth-bound spirits since she was a child. Interestingly, she cannot see those "in the light". This book should be good enough to convince even skeptics that folks are alive after death. It is a very good coverage of earth-bound spirits, also called ghosts. But because she has no experience of those who have crossed over, it does not cover the situation that the majority of us will experience. This book is current, and should be available in many book stores.
	The Blue Island by Pardoe Woodman and Estelle Stead This is a relatively short channeled book, the spirit author being W.T. Stead, a man of considerable significance in journalistic circles in his lifetime, and who died when the Titanic sank. It is his story of passing over and spending time in the transition zone, which he has called the Blue Island. It is probably the most comprehensive coverage of the transition zone that I have found, and thus answers very completely what happens after spirits "pass into the light". Interestingly, he did not travel through a tunnel of light, nor did he see any light immediately after his death on the Titanic. Also interestingly, he reports that all the dead traveled together in a group to the transition zone. It is a good coverage of the issue of communication by thought, as also the technique of materialising and transferring thoughts to mediums. The book is at it's strongest in describing his personal experiences, but it is at it's weakest when he tries to postulate on what lies ahead. Here he foresees the choice to reincarnate, and he repeats a common belief that one loses one's individuality in passing beyond the seventh, into the eternal realm. This book can be downloaded as a pdf. It was published in 1922. A hard copy of this book can be purchased here.
	The Book on Mediums by Allan Kardec This was actually the very first spiritual book I read, and I have to say I did not like it much. However it is an absolutely amazing reference to all manner of spiritual occurrences. You can download a free pdf copy here.
	A Course in Miracles. This is a beautiful book, with some exquisite prose. It is really intended as a book to open up your mind/soul to the possibilities that exist. It is not a book about the spirit world, per se. Nor is it a book about a religion, although one might think that from it's followers.
	Love Without End by Glenda Green This book contains the thoughts and conversations Glenda had with the spirit of Jesus, as she completed a painting of him. It is a fabulous book, both because it has so much Truth, but also because it has been told in a way that is unlikely to threaten any orthodox Christians. If you want to feel the real power of Love, read this book. It will also force you to consider the reality of the spirit realm. I hope and pray that this is the book to touch the hearts of mainstream Christians.
	The Invitation By Oriah Mountain Dreamer. If you know somebody who has been through tough times, and needs to find the will to pick themselves up, perhaps this is the book to do it. It is really amazing. The book is in fact an extension of the poem on the front cover, a poem that went around the world a few times.
	When I loved myself enough. by Kim McMillen A small book, with only a few words per page, but nonetheless an awesome book. If you can get a copy with parchment pages, and a hard cover, that really adds to the enjoyment. This is a book to touch all of us. And it is critically important from a spiritual perspective. If you cannot love yourself, you cannot open your soul to God's Love either.
	The Urantia Book. 2000 pages of very fine print. This is a massive work. It has four major sections, The Central and Super Universes, The Local Universe, The History of Urantia (Earth) and the Life and teachings of Jesus. It contains arguably, more material on Jesus than you will find elsewhere. I say arguably, because on this site we now have more material than in Urantia. This is book that almost defies description. Probably more than half of it contains material that can be found nowhere else. And there is a great ring of Truth about a great deal of it. I have some issues with section four, but nevertheless many people will tell you that is the part they liked most.
	God Calling edited by A.J Russell This is apparently a classic amongst orthodox Christians. It is not surprising why, based on the contents, but given that it is a channeled work, perhaps that is surprising. Full of love and devotion.
	The Centre Within Edited by Fred Harris and Byron Belitsos This book combines the teachings of the Urantia Book, with teachings that have been received in the last ten years under the auspices of the Teaching Mission. This is a group of folks, dotted around the USA, who are receiving direct instruction from Celestial teachers. It is a beautiful book, and in many ways to my mind, soars above that of the Urantia Book, because it is more heart centred, and less intellectual.
	the Search for 11:11 by George Barnard This book is the first of five, detailing his personal experiences over the last 50 years with spirit guides. Amusing, and very interesting, rather than instructive. One certainly comes to realise how involved spirit guides can be in our lives, if we will only let them. And George has had some amazing experiences. Read two sample chapters here.
	Letters from the Light Written through the hand of Elsa Barker. This amazing book was first published in 1914 under the title "Letters from a living dead man." It was republished in 1995 by Beyond Words Publishing - ISBN 1-885223-08-0. This book chronicles the experiences of a spirit in it's first year. There is an amazing ring of Truth to much that is explained, even though I do not accept reincarnation as true. It is one of the better explanations of life after death, and the spirit describes many things that are undoubtedly true, even though he was in some cases too inexperienced to put these experiences into the correct context. I have created a pdf copy of the portions of this text which are in the public domain.
	Rayson and Friends Volume I This is a stunning spiritual book. It is a compilation of teachings primarily delivered by Rayson, from 1991 to 1993. The study group who channelled Rayson are followers of the Urantia Book, and thus if you are unfamiliar with that book, some things may take a while to understand. But I would recommend it without hesitation to everyone who is a serious student of spiritual issues. (I would not have scanned the original and created a 170 page pdf if I did not think that!)
	Rayson and Friends Volume II This is an equally stunning book. It is a compilation of teachings primarily delivered by Rayson, from 1993 to 1994. The study group who channelled Rayson are followers of the Urantia Book, and thus if you are unfamiliar with that book, some things may take a while to understand. But I would recommend it without hesitation to everyone who is a serious student of spiritual issues. (I would not have scanned the original and created a 200 page pdf if I did not think that!)
	The Keys to thy Kingdom Rev. Caesar Augustus Davila, D.Th. It is in some ways surprising that this book should have been written by a Catholic priest. But what Dr Davila describes in this book, is an extensive treatment of Divine Love, and how to follow that path. The publisher (Center for Yoga and Christianity) does not include an address in the document that I have, and I cannot locate them on the internet, nor any reference to this book. I am taking the liberty of offering here a pdf copy, trusting that my sharing this book will not get me into trouble. Were I able to point you to some place where you can buy this book, I would rather do that, as it is copyrighted 1988. But it is such an amazing book, that I feel it must be shared. Give it a time to download. If you find the Great Experiment needs any further support, this would be a suitable third party reference.
	Beyond the Himalayas Dr. M. MacDONALD-BAYNE If the time is right for you, this is a fabulous book. It is part travelogue across Tibet, and part a reporting of the amazing abilities of the masters found there. It is also a dialogue about Truth, and how to find it. I was astounded to discover that these masters are not Buddhists, having long ago moved beyond mere religion, and also do not believe in reincarnation. The quotes from the New Testament are fabulous, and leave one in no doubt that not only was Jesus a real master, but that it's also likely it's the Tibetan masters who understand him best of all, and continue to be taught by him. While the words "Divine Love" are rarely used, it is very clear that these masters do indeed tap into the Divine Love. A pdf is available, and the book can also be purchased from the publisher.
	The Yoga of the Christ Dr. M. MacDONALD-BAYNE This is the continuation of the journey through Tibet begun in "Beyond the Himalayas". It is a fabulous book, continuing in grand style from the previous book. A pdf is available, and the book can also be purchased from the publisher. It is now possible to obtain both of these fabulous books by Dr MacDonald-Bayne in one cover. Christ in Tibet
	30 Years among the Dead. Dr Carl Wickland. There is no finer explanation of possession, obsession, spirit attachment and the existence of so called "devils" than this book. At one level it may seem repetitive, as spirit after spirit is introduced, insisting they are not dead, insisting perhaps that they have been reincarnated, or are simply trying to live as best they can. But at another level, this book is a wealth of information about the phenomenon often referred to as earthbound spirits. One can learn here how it is that some people can tear their hair out, bite themselves, and even commit murder or suicide. One learns of the vast number of people who pass over into almost total spiritual darkness, and are attracted to the only spiritual light they can see - other living mortals with a little more soul development. Originally published in 1924, and now out of print. If every Christian pastor read this book, not only would millions of folk be spared their arrival in the lowest of the spheres, but they would recognise that they are dead. And avoid obsessing others. How ironical is it that the very devils these pastors warn about are most often their very own spiritually blind followers? I have written a short precis of the book. Read that before downloading it, I would suggest. It is a very big book, some 350 pages of A4, and thus a large pdf. Give it a lot of time to download.
	Remote Deposession by Irene Hickman, D.O. Irene developed a technique of discerning the presence of attached spirit entities, and removing them from subjects. The case studies in this book are just amazing, and her technique for interacting with dark spirits is very solid. This book is highly recommended. While I do not know what percentage of our population is afflicted with attached entities, it would appear to be far more common than one might assume. This book is now hard to obtain. I have described Dr Irene Hickman's technique by quoting from one chapter of this book. It is simply fascinating reading.