West Virginia Libraries Purchase Henry’s Books
Henry prepares to pack and ship Killing For Krishna, Eleven Naked Emperors, and five volumes of Gold, Guns and God (March 2022)
March 21, 2022: Henry received his first order for his seven Hare Krishna history books from a library in West Virginia, the Hampshire County Library. Not long ago he sent out a direct mail piece to 200 West Virginia libraries which included a cover letter, 8-panel color brochure, and self-addressed envelope, inviting them to purchase his seven books about the West Virginia Hare Krishnas. In his cover letter, he pointed out, and correctly, that the New Vrindaban Community was/is an important part of 20th-century West Virginia history.
This was not, however, his first order from a West Virginia library; the West Virginia Regional and History Center in Morgantown (home of the Swami Bhaktipada Archive) has purchased two copies of his books as soon as they’ve been published (beginning with Killing For Krishna in 2018), but this is the first library to respond to his direct mail piece. With some luck, perhaps other West Virginia libraries will order his books also.
The Hampshire County Library also requested a standing order; that is, whenever a new book is published, they automatically receive the new book with an invoice. (This webpage will be updated periodically as more libraries purchase Henry’s books.)
Following is the text of the cover letter Henry sent to West Virginia libraries:
Henry Doktorski, Hare Krishna Historian
PO Box 893343
Temecula CA 92589
Director of Acquisitions,
I invite you to purchase this seven-volume series of non-fiction books on the history of the West Virginia Hare Krishnas. West Virginia is well known for many important historical sites and events: the Grave Creek Mound, the 1859 raid on the Harper’s Ferry federal armory, and the 1921 battle of Blair Mountain, to name a few. In the second half of the 20th century, the rapid growth and eventual decline of the New Vrindaban Hare Krishna community in Marshall County emerged as salient features of West Virginia’s storied past. These key events in West Virginia’s rich history have recently been comprehensively documented in my books.
As you probably know, New Vrindaban gained national coverage in the media, and Prabhupada’s Palace of Gold continues to be a major tourist attraction. In addition, the Hare Krishnas of West Virginia orchestrated a murder that crossed state lines and created shock waves impacting the entire North American Hare Krishna movement. West Virginia law enforcement provided critical information for the FBI to uncover the Hare Krishna cult’s tangled web of illegal activities.
I was a resident of the West Virginia Hare Krishna community from 1978 to 1994. To date, I’ve completed seven self-published non-fiction books about the community. Five more volumes are forthcoming. I’m pleased to report my magnum opus has garnered acclaim from scholars and professors and others who are interested in the Hare Krishnas of West Virginia. As noted in the enclosed brochure, the director of the West Virginia Regional and History Center pointed out, “Henry Doktorski’s books represent an exhaustive compendium of information about one of the most compelling stories of the late 20th century.” A Professor of Sociology and Religion explained, “[Henry’s books] represent the most comprehensive treatment to date of New Vrindaban’s history and this in itself makes Doktorski’s book[s] a worthwhile contribution.”
May I interest you in purchasing the seven books for a special library rate of $150.00, shipping included? You can also sign up for a standing order to purchase the remaining five volumes of the series when they become available for $30.00 each. When each new book is published, you will receive the book and an invoice. If you prefer, eBooks can be purchased for Kindle readers on Amazon. Thank you for your consideration, and I hope to hear from you.
Sincerely,
Henry Doktorski
Update: The Hillsboro Library in Pocahontas County also purchased a set of books (April 2022).
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