Philosophical Research Society
The Philosophical Research Society (PRS) is a nonprofit institution founded in 1934 as a repository of multicultural wisdom sources and a center of arts and learning. Its mission is to provide a public arts venue and research library for as wide a range of creative and intellectual pursuits as possible, for as diverse and inclusive an audience as possible. PRS’s particular focus is on the intersection between the creative arts and metaphysics, philosophy, mythology and mysticism.
LGBTQ+ topics and themes represented in the collections held by the Philosophical Research Society include Lesbians, LGBTQ+ activism, and Religion and spirituality.
Featured Collections
Corelli (Marie) Collection
Marie Corelli was an English Victorian novelist born May 1, 1855 in London. Corelli was an advocate for the advancement of power structures for women at the end of her century. A recurring theme in Corelli's books is her attempt to reconcile Christianity with reincarnation, astral projection, and other mystical ideas. She explored a complex position of gender dinamics in her novels and is described to have been inspired to write by her life partner of forty years Bertha Vyer until her death. In addition to gender identity and morality, a common theme in Corelli's novels is the the spirit world is knowable and accessible. Bertha Vyer inherited Corelli's estate, served as her literary executor, and authored a biography of Corelli. Vyver was buried with Marie Corelli after her death. Their initials were carved, intertwined, on their mantlepiece alongside the words “amor vincit,” and they exchanged rings.
Contact the Philosophical Research Society
For more information about the Philosophical Research Society 's LGTBQ+ collections and holdings, including citation and copyright information, please contact Kelly Carmena and Amanda Maciel Antunes.✉ Email: kelly@prs.org, dama@prs.org
☎ Call: 323-663-2167
The Philosophical Research Society is an L.A. as Subject member. For more information about L.A. as Subject, visit their website here.