George Robert Stow Mead (1863-1933) was an English historian and writer whose scholarly work concentrated on ancient religious and philosophical traditions, particularly Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and Gnosticism. He was an influential figure within the Theosophical Society, serving as Helena Blavatsky's private secretary and later as editor of its magazine, Lucifer, which was renamed The Theosophical Review.

Mead's involvement with the Theosophical Society concluded in 1909 when he, along with approximately 700 other members, departed in protest of Annie Besant's decision to readmit Charles Webster Leadbeater. This departure, after 25 years of involvement, was also fueled by frustration with the organization's dogmatism. The following year, Mead established the Quest Society, an organization dedicated to the undogmatic comparative study of religion, philosophy, and science. The Quest Society was known for its lecture series and its publication, The Quest: A Quarterly Review.

His significant contributions include providing the first English translation of the Gnostic text Pistis Sophia, which played a role in popularizing the concept of "Gnosis." Mead's work influenced notable figures such as Ezra Pound and W. B. Yeats, and his impact on Carl Jung has been discussed by scholars.

Born in London in 1863, George Robert Stow Mead was the son of Colonel Robert Mead and Mary Stow. He pursued higher education at St John's College, Cambridge, initially studying mathematics before shifting his focus to Classics. He developed a strong command of Greek and Latin during his studies. Mead earned his BA in 1884 and later an MA in 1926. Concurrently with completing his undergraduate degree, he began a career as a public school master.

Mead's interest in theosophy was sparked by reading Alfred Percy Sinnett's "Esoteric Buddhism" while at Cambridge. He joined Helena Blavatsky's Theosophical Society in 1884. His dedication led him to become Blavatsky's private secretary in 1889. He held significant positions within the society, including serving as general secretary of its Esoteric Section and as a member of its Inner Group. During this time, he met Laura Mary Cooper, who would become his wife. Mead also co-edited the magazine "Lucifer," which was later renamed "The Theosophical Review," and served as its sole editor from 1907 to 1909. His tenure as editor ended with the magazine's cessation and his own departure from the Theosophical Society.

In 1909, Mead founded the Quest Society, an organization formed by individuals who had left the Theosophical Society, along with new members. This society was established with the aim of providing an approach to the study of religion, philosophy, and science that was free from dogma. The Quest Society hosted lectures in London and was particularly noted for its publication, "The Quest: A Quarterly Review," which ran for over two decades and featured contributions from many significant historical figures.

Mead's scholarly work focused on ancient esoteric traditions, including Neoplatonism, Hermeticism, and Gnosticism. He was instrumental in making Gnostic texts accessible to a wider audience, notably through his English translation of "Pistis Sophia." This translation was key in popularizing the concept of "Gnosis." His writings and translations, such as "Thrice Greatest Hermes" and "Fragments of a Faith Forgotten," explored these complex philosophical and religious systems. His intellectual legacy extended to prominent figures like Ezra Pound and W. B. Yeats, and his influence on Carl Jung has been a subject of academic discussion.