Claim: First published in 1947 by John Murray Publishers (London), Behold the Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion is a republication of the Episcopal divinity degree thesis by British writer and speaker Alan Watts, who is known for interpreting and popularising Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism for a Western audience.
Evidence: Behold the Spirit: A Study in the Necessity of Mystical Religion, a book by Alan Watts (1915–1973), was first published in 1947 by John Murray Publishers (London). This book is a reworking of Watts' Episcopal divinity degree thesis. Alan Wilson Watts (6 January 1915 – 16 November 1973) was a British writer and speaker known for interpreting and popularising Buddhism, Taoism, and Hinduism for a Western audience.