Lewis Spence

James Lewis Thomas Chalmers Spence (1874–1955) was a Scottish journalist, poet, and prolific author who dedicated much of his career to the study of folklore, mythology, and occult subjects. After establishing himself in journalism, he developed a keen interest in the myths and legends of various cultures, including those of Mexico, Central America, and Scotland. His extensive writings explored ancient traditions, sacred texts, and esoteric philosophies, aiming to bring these subjects to a wider audience.

Spence is particularly recognized for his contributions to the study of Atlantis, attempting to present the subject in a scholarly light and connect it to ancient civilizations and Bronze Age cultures. He also delved into Celtic and Brythonic rites, theorizing about ancient migrations. Despite facing criticism from mainstream academia for his conclusions, his works were popular and influential among enthusiasts of esoteric topics, with many of his books remaining in print and accessible today.

Lewis Spence's academic pursuits extended deeply into the realms of mythology and folklore. He played a significant role in popularizing the Mayan sacred text, the Popol Vuh, making its stories accessible to a broader readership. His encyclopedic approach to the subject is evident in works like 'A Dictionary of Mythology' and 'An Encyclopaedia of Occultism and Parapsychology'. Spence's research also focused on the rich tapestry of Scottish folklore, reflecting his commitment to his homeland's cultural heritage. He investigated ancient rites and traditions, contributing to the understanding of Celtic and Brythonic cultures through works such as 'Mysteries of Celtic Britain'.

A significant portion of Spence's scholarly output was dedicated to the enigmatic lost continent of Atlantis. Motivated by his research into New World cultures and ancient European and North African civilizations, he sought to explore the Atlantis hypothesis. During the 1920s, he published several books, including 'The Problem of Atlantis' and 'History of Atlantis', which aimed to elevate the discussion of Atlantis beyond purely occult circles. Spence proposed theories that linked Atlantis to Bronze Age civilization and suggested it served as a cultural bridge to the Americas, drawing parallels between ancient Old and New World societies. Although his conclusions were largely rejected by mainstream academic scholarship, his industrious research and engaging presentation of evidence garnered appreciation from enthusiasts.

Beyond mythology and Atlantis, Lewis Spence was a notable figure in the study of occultism and esoteric phenomena. His extensive 'Encyclopaedia of Occultism' covered a wide range of subjects, including psychic science, magic, and mysticism. He also explored the intersection of the occult with historical events, as seen in his 1940 book 'Occult Causes of the Present War', which touched upon themes related to Nazi occultism. Spence's work often sought to investigate the hidden or mystical aspects of various traditions, contributing to the literature on subjects considered outside the purview of conventional academic study.