"Based on the adventures of Madame Helena Blavatsky, the Russian-born seer notorious the world over for her claims to psychic powers, Shadows and Elephants draws us into the world of a free-spirited woman accused of being one of history's most accomplished imposters. Equally fascinating is her partner, a popular journalist based on the Civil War hero Colonel Henry Olcott.

Beloved by Manhattan society for mystical gatherings in their exotic parlor, they leave America amidst a storm of controversy, and set out for adventures in the Orient on a quest for the secrets of Eastern wisdom."--BOOK JACKET.