The Green Snake

First published in German in 1954 and having now run to eight or nine editions, this is the first English translation of this remarkable autobiography by the anthroposophical artist Margarita Woloschin, who was instrumental in introducing Anthroposophy into Russia. She knew an extraordinary range of Russian intellectuals and artists, and describes attending a lecture in Paris by Henri Bergson, questioning his assertion that we cannot know spiritual truths through intuition, and asking who is going to lead humanity out of the current impasse. There is also a vivid description of an encounter with Tolstoy in his old age, describing how his eyes shone through his eyebrows like the eyes of Pan through a forest thicket. He then entreats her to do everything she can to ensure that war is no longer possible, commenting that no one has the courage to act according to his conscience and refuse to do what is inhuman. She does not share his view of the Gospel shorn of miracles, and it must have been formidable arguing with the sage at such a young age. There are a few of her own beautiful paintings, along with many accounts of her travels and meetings, especially with Steiner. In addition, she writes of the amazing contrast between our upbringing and conditions in Russia during the revolution. An absorbing read.