Webster Edgerly - the Magnetism Man

Scribbled by Alfred Armstrong on

Webster Edgerly wrote more than 50 books, some still in print, which have been read by hundreds of thousands of people - so why is he almost completely unknown?

This site examines the strange case of the Magnetism Man.

The next Ralston Day is in 15 days: Tuesday, 4 June 2013.

Who was Webster Edgerly?

Albert Webster Edgerly was a self-help guru, a crank and a racist bigot. Possessed of seemingly boundless energy, from his twenties until his death he wrote and published many books and founded a series of organisations dedicated to health and self-improvement, mainly under his pseudonym "Edmund (or Edmonde) Shaftesbury". As the begetter of the "Ralston Health Club" he also used the name "Dr Everett Ralston".

In about 1900, William Danforth invited "Dr Ralston" to participate in his Purina Wholefood Company. At that time Edgerly's Health Club had a sizeable following and he was noted for his pronouncements on diet, which were compatible with Danforth's own philosophy. The company took a new name, Ralston Purina, under which it still traded until relatively recently, when it was acquired by Nestlé.

Edgerly attempted in 1905 to put his utopian ideas into practice when he founded a community of Ralstonites at "Ralston Heights". As is ever the case with such endeavours, it was not a success.

His most successful venture was probably the "Magnetism Club", whose key text, Instantaneous Personal Magnetism continues to be read today.

Update: now available to buy, my new edition of Edgerly's Lessons in Acting.

More at this site: a review of Edgerly's writings; Edgerly bibliography.

Comments

Anonymous replied on

This is fantastic. I have a deep interest in Ralston, Edgerly and his IPM system as a historic reference of early self-development. I treasure two of his books. It would have been intriguing to meet the man himself. Perhaps a reforming of the Magnetism Club is in order for modern-day enthusiasts. - Simon Bignell

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Simon, I don't think I'd like to have met Edgerly on the basis of what I know about him, though I would dearly loved to have seen him perform in his play about Columbus. I can't describe myself as an "enthusiast", either - more a fascinated yet horrified witness.

Anonymous replied on

I live down the street from Ralston Castle and own some property on its grounds. It's a fascinating place and for what Edgerly's flaws may have been, he certainly designed a beautiful and unique home for himself and his followers. I just can't believe there is no record of what life was like for them in Ralston Heights, of what went on in that amazing and mysterious looking mansion!

Morgan Yochem replied on

Hello, my name is Morgan Yochem and i am responding to your comments about the Ralston Castle, back in the 1970s my friends father bought that mansion and i have lost contact with him, their last name is Roberts. would you happen to know of this family? Thank you Morgan Yochem 760-964-9444

Anonymous replied on

I'd love to find out more about the man himself. Simon

terry pullum replied on

I bought a whole set of these books 30 odd years ago at a thrift shop..studied them over and over till it made sence or worked...I have never come across a book that I belive everything,also being these books are dated early 1900's up to the late 20;s so there are many things outdated.I have learned so much that I khow it is time to pass some of it on.. if interested in this,

Lawrence Dugan replied on

Where can one obtain the set of books you talk about??

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Lawrence, many of Edgerly's books can be readily found in online second hand bookshops (try addall.com) or ebay.  I don't know which ones Terry is referring to, but I would guess it is the Magnetism series (Instantaneous Personal Magnetism, Advanced Magnetism, Mental Magnetism, Sex Magnetism and Universal Magnetism) as these were heavily promoted through magazine mail order ads throughout the 20th century.

terry pullum replied on

If still interested, I can send the titles I have 10 from 1924 to 1927

Anonymous replied on

Hi do you still have shaftburys books ? Please email me . Thanks. Hamish

Norman Dixson replied on

I have a couple of Edgerly Webster Books and would love to study him more if you are interested in selling the books Yours Norman

Anonymous replied on

I just came across your note on the net re an interest in buying books written by Edmund Shaftesbury on Magnetism etc. If that is still of interest, I have a set of 7 vol. from about 1929 and the early 30's. If interested kindly contact me. I'll give you the titles, condition etc. If interested in all or any one of them, just make an offer. David

hamish replied on

hi there . do you still have any copies of edmund shaftesbury for sale ? thanks hamish

Savory replied on

If you arer still sharing - I would love to learn more....

Simon Bignell replied on

I'd be fascinated to hear from people that are keen on looking into these techniques from a modern day perspective and those interested in the personal growth climate of the period. The books are a product of the day in which they were written of course but there's also a quality to them that is unique. There’s also an obvious feel of merchandising about IPM as well. However, sceptical enquiry has led me to these and although usually repelled by bunkum and quackery something still remains about this system of personal growth that others fail to capture. I’m interested in the man and his followers. Perhaps it was his writing, or just that this system existed in the era it did. For me the exquisiteness remains regardless of the showmanship and unsupported claims. Simon Bignell

Norman Dixson replied on

Hi Simon I say let's go for it I would love to put something together with you I personally have been studying this guy for over 30 years and I still find his work fascinating so please get in touch Norman Dixson

David Edgerly replied on

Websters work and his ideals didn't suit the Corporate face of Ralston Purina. As the father of PR, Edward Bernays vision of corporate America image took hold. Websters work because of the content and his manor was suppressed. Like many in history.. America's vision is a carefully constructed socially engineered image. The oligarchy doesn't like it when one of their own doesn't shine in a favorable light.. thus they tend to disappear in the pages of history written to create manufactured consent. Websters ultimate utopia health and well being was not the direction the oligarchy had in mind for the country, if they were.. I couldn't imagine the face of America today. but I'm sure it wouldn't be the one we now see.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Any relation, David?

I am no fan of corporate attitudes, but frankly, Webster Edgerly's idealism was tarnished from the start. His use of pseudonyms, his claim to a non-existent professorship, his dubious treatment of his acting school pupils, his racist tendencies, his misrepresentations of the origins of Ralstonism, his inconsistencies, exaggerations and baseless claims ... need I say more?

Anyone who could make a claim such as that in the preface of the nauseating Brain Tests that "it surpasses in importance the whole fabric of knowledge taught by the greatest universities" is either a megalomaniac or a conman. I think he was a bit of both.

It would be terrific if Purina would open their archives and tell the full story of the relationship with Webster Edgerly, but I can well understand why they would not want to do that.

David Bates replied on

I am the great-grandson of Webster Edgerly. I have a few books he inscribed to my grandmother and his wife, Edna. If I can help in any way with information about him I would like to. Please respond if you wish. Yours, David D. Bates II

George Scott replied on

Hello David, I have been very interested in your great-grandfather's books since I was in high school back in the 1960s. However, at first I didn't really understand what he meant by "glame" and tension energy. As it happened, our football coach had developed a high degree of glame (I'm sure it was by chance, as I don't think he knew of Webster Edgerly's books.) At times I could hear the magnetic power in his voice as he encouraged his football players to do their best, and it was then that I realized what glame and magnetism really meant. I would of course have developed glame myself, but I have been afflicted with diabetic and thyroid trouble since childhood, and my general health is not good. Do you have any thoughts on nerve tensing and glame? Thanks, George

David Bates replied on

George, My family has a large collection of books from the estate of Edna Edgerly. I have some of them and my family has what appears to be the bulk of the books published. The condition is wonderful and I hope that there is some way to share this information. I want to say firstly that I find the attitude of this man to be despicable regarding race and his views toward women. What I find interesting is how he found and grew his audience with this profoundly bigoted viewpoint. But I also think that this is Americana at its most audacious. I would be very interested in any information about the workings of the health club or how many people subscribed. Regards, David Bates

AP George replied on

There is a modern twist to the magnetism series. A man out of Florida, Gil Magno, has read and edited Edgerly's work for modern audiences. Mr. Magno is a member of ( a founding member, I believe) of I AM - the International Association of Magnetists - Mr. Edgerly is alive and well thanks to Mr. Magno. I urge you to visit Gil Magno's page and have him send you the free first lesson via .PDF. I am not trying to "sell" anything, only suggesting that those who commented here that reforming the Magnetist Club may be in order for Modern Day - may enjoy this. I am paying for the series. It is extremely cheap, of course delivered over email, and is almost free it's that cheap. But again, I am not trying to sell anyone or any mindsets. Only bringing up that Mr. Edgerly's works have been re-edited/re-worked to drop the racism, drop the archaic quality, and re introduce it with taste.

Anonymous replied on

I have come across a copy (Charter Edition) of "The Book of Mind and Thought Society" and can not find any other copies available anywhere. How would I determine the value of this? It is a cloth book dated 1911. Thank you

David Bates replied on

I have a couple of examples of his autograph which I will donate to someone who will give the book a good home. My grandmother died at 107 years of age. You can find her @ Philadelphia Ten if you search. She is there as Gladys Bates.

Carol Macpherso... replied on

Hi David, I am Bee Macpherson's granddaughter, recently retired, and moved from CA to TX. I am going through our collection of photos and papers, and attending a genealogy workshop series at the local college to help me learn how to organize, catalogue and digitalize it all. I came across your post on a Google search, of all things! If you still have extras, I would definitely be interested in an example of Webster Edgerly's work and autograph. I have an extra copy of Bee's Ararat Cocktail if you would like one for your library. What am I... your first cousin once removed? Carol

David Bates replied on

I am just beginning my own research into Webster Edgerly. My grandmother, Gladys C. E. Bates died at the age of 107 in 2003. I was left many volumes of the family library including MANY that were given to her either by Webster or my great-grandmother, Edna. If I felt that someone would show proper respect (although much of my great-grandfather's beliefs, especially regarding his fellow man are reprehensible) to the family I would be happy to donate an example of his signature in one of the books in the library. Both of my grandparents Earl Kenneth Bates and my grandmother were noted New England artists with representation in many large permanent collections.

John Orlando II replied on

David, Could you contact me when you have a moment. It would be greatly appreciated. John Orlando II Saluda NC 28773 (864)804-7700 anvil2017@gmail.com

Michael Crown replied on

Hi David. I just came across this page, and you willingness to perhaps share some o the materials. I and a friend of mine are big fans of the Magnetism practices, and are working with them. We would be very interested in corresponding with you. I am at libertyson11@yahoo.com

David Bates replied on

John, Sorry for delay, I am interested in learning more. I have many books from the Ralston Club and would like to hear what your interest is. David Bates Norwalk Ct

edwin mkulunzi replied on

am black,and whatever you say about this man.He was great and ahead of his time each and every one of us has his share of weaknesses and strengths.his ideas work to some and am one of them

David Bates replied on

Dear Carol, This is a wonderful connection. I would be happy to send you examples of things signed by Webster (and Great-grandma Edna). I have quite a few of the Ralston books also and you are welcome to any of those. If you would send me your address I will send them (also would love to see Ararat Cocktail). I think we met in Mystic (late 50's) All the best, Dave Bates 188 Flax Hill Road #C3 Norwalk, CT 06854

Mary replied on

Dear Mr. Bates; I live near the mansion your great-grandfather built, called "the Castle" by locals... my neighborhood is called Ralston Heights and I own what used to be the gardener's cottage to Ralston Castle. Some of the original plantings of the Ralstons still exist and bloom each spring and there are crumbling structures here and there from their "garden of Eden". Anyway, so many of us here theorize about what life was like in the Ralston community; I was wondering did he leave any papers or narratives about his personal life and the goings-on in the castle? Mary mdaniels@aptusdesigns.com

Larry replied on

Hi David, I'm a family history researcher and I stumbled across this website while trying to find out more info about one of his many wives. I started with a woman named Cora who married a William Puffer in Oregon, and I had a hard time tracing her last name Edgerly. I inevitably determined her to be Albert's second wife Cora Burchstead who married him in 1883. Seems they had a daughter named Flora? in 1884. When I followed Florence to marriage it said her mother was Estella Pevear and she married John Pease. Seems Webster had a lot of issues with women. I assume Cora Burchstead either divorced Albert or simply left, but is she the true mother of Florence? Larry

Victory Chase replied on

I just attended an excellent party at "The Castle" in Hopewell, NJ. The house looks great, and has many interesting architectural quirks based on Webster Edgerly's ideas about health and self-improvement. The present owners are delightful, and very supportive of the arts. The house has served many purposes over the years, with various ups and downs, but it is definitely in good hands now!

Kelly replied on

I came across a book " Shakespeare's midsummer night's dream" published 1885 with signature "Webster Edgerly" in the front of the book. I found this site looking for copy of signature for comparison. Does any body know where I might find it?

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Kelly, I've never seen an Edgerly signature. He's not known for signing his own books. But some of his relatives have commented here before so one of them may be able to help.

terry pullum replied on

I have a set of books from the 30's 4 sale.. if interested -- I am on facebook....

Lonnie Schram replied on

I have a diploma, dated1899,from the Shaftesbury College of Expression. Has "Edmund Shaftesbury, founder of the method" in lower left corner, along w/embossed seal stating college name + Baltimore Md. Have been unable to find information on school, any help would be appreciated.

Alfred Armstrong replied on

Hi Lonnie, you might be able to find some information from the Baltimore papers of the period. I was able to find stories about his similar ventures in Washington by that method. The school will probably be found bearing various names as Edgerly had a tendency to market his enterprises under a variety of aliases. It won't have been as significant an institution as the diploma might lead one to believe: most likely this was simply a class taught by Edgerly single-handed. I wish I had been able to attend it, though: judging by the book he wrote on the same subject it would have been hilarious, consisting of him alternately making self-important pronouncements and pulling ridiculous faces.

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