R.C. Zaehner (1913 - 1974) was a British author and academic specializing in Eastern religions. He first was recognized for his studies of Zoroastrianism, but he then turned to work on comparative religion and mysticism. His expertise in oriental languages led to intelligence service work during World War II, and Zaehner later worked for periods of time in Malta and Tehran. After returning to Britain, he was appointed to the Spalding Professorship of Eastern Religions and Ethics at Oxford. Professor Zaehner gave the Gifford Lectures during the years 1967-1969. These lectures have been described as presenting "a grand historical overview of how the different religions have provided a mutuality of nourishment, and also have interpenetrated each other's beliefs."