The present volume is entitled
Blavatsky's Companion to Pistis Sophia because Blavatsky published and commented, in the pages of
Lucifer magazine, selections of the
Pistis Sophia translated and annotated by G.R.S. Mead.
The publication project was first announced, in the pages of
Lucifer, in the following manner: "We shall also...insert the first of some 'Selections from the Gnostic Gospel, the Pistis Sophia, ' translated by G. R. S. Mead, and annotated by H.P.B." After that, a second note stated that "The promised 'Selections from the Gnostic Gospel, the Pistis Sophia, ' translated by G.R.S. Mead, and annotated by H.P.B., will be commenced in our next number." Fourteen instalments of the material were published
seriatum. However, the first instalment featured the following note "Translated and annotated by G. R. S. Mead, with additional notes by H.P.B." In this manner, it is clear that both Blavatsky and Mead annotated Pistis Sophia. Unfortunately, the translation was interrupted and only two books of the Pistis Sophia were published in
Lucifer.
Even though this volume does not contain the complete Pistis Sophia, it still offers extremely valuable insight into the text due to the important and unique contribution that Helena Petrovna Blavatsky provided with her commentary. Her in-depth knowledge of the material she presented in her great works, in concordance with her detailed commentary to Pistis Sophia, creates a true guide towards a deeper awareness and understanding of this Gnostic Gem.