Thrice-Greatest Hermes, Vol. III — G. R. S. Mead (1906)
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" Mr. Mead's sympathetic monograph is based upon a careful study of the literature of the subject ..... Writes with moderation, and has rendered good service by examining Apollonius from a fresh point of view." — Manchester Guardian.
" We give a specially cordial welcome to Mr. G. B,. S. Mead's ' Apollonius of Tyana. . . . . It is a book which all well-instructed spiritualists will be able to appreciate and understand." — Light.
"A charming and enlightening little work, full of knowledge, bright with sympathy, and masterly in style." — The Coming Day.
" It is not only interesting, it is fair, and to a great degree scholarly, although it is slight and popular in conception. The spirit and tone are admirable. Mr. Mead neither flouts what he thinks mistaken nor states uncritically what he believes ..... He uses his authorities with care and judgment, and gives exact references. Some good suggestions are made in the book." — Literature.
" Through this jungle of fable, controversy, and misunderstanding, Mr. Mead has heroically set himself to cut his way to the man as he was. Practically he regards him as a theosophist of the first century, who had been initiated into the loftier orders and commissioned to regenerate the cults at many of the larger sanctuaries. The author has studied the original authorities carefully, and also the work of his predecessors. It is, of course, impossible to say whether his attempt to get back to the real Apollonius has been successful. In most respects his account is plausible, and quite possibly may represent the facts ..... At any rate, impartial students will be grateful for his sympathetic vindication of Apollonius from the too frequent charge that he was nothing better than a charlatan. He thinks that Apollonius must surely have visited some of the Christian societies, and have met with Paul, if not earlier, at least at Home in 66. It seems to us very problematical that he should have taken any interest in the Christians, though the probability would be much enhanced if Mr. Mead's view of primitive Christianity could be substantiated." — The Primitive Methodist Quarterly Review.
" Students of the religious history of the earlier centuries of the Christian era are already indebted to Mr. Mead for his elucidations of more than one obscure document of that remote age. His account of Apollonius of Tyana will be all the more welcome because, treating its subject without theological or denominational prepossessions, it reveals the ancient philosopher in a new light, which may very well be also a true one. . . . Mr. Mead gives a readable and well-studied account of him, reviewing what little remains known of his life, and inquiring, without controversy, what must have been the character of one who had so real an influence on the religious life of his time ..... The book is rich in suggestions of the actualities of the religious life of the ancient world when Christianity was still in its infancy. It is well worthy of the attention of all who are interested in the subject." — The Scotsman.
" This little book is an attempt to tell us all that is definitely known of one of the most extraordinary figures in history. . . . It is done in the main with absolute impartiality, and with considerable learning. It is not a satisfactory book, but it is useful and interesting, and, in default of anything better, it may be recommended." — Saturday Review.