Richard Kaczynski: A History of the OTO

[Azidonis]

From what I understand the book focuses on the history of the OTO, up to and including involvement by Crowley. Thats my impression from what Richard has written about the project. I imagine such a survey is far more useful and interesting.

Hrm, if that's all it is about, then why bother reading Kaczynski's words about it, when we could just read Crowley's... or anyone else who was actually there for that matter.

Not trying to argue about it, just sayin'...

I'm sure we are all wondering about the place Motta-SOTO, Grant-Typhonia, Solar Lodge-Clandestineum, and The Order of Thelema (San Diego) will be described - they all being "irregular," you know. And what about how Crowley has been accused of "stealing" OTO and OHO from Reuss? You know, how he didn't have the proper paperwork to make such claims - just like those other "officially-not-recognized" recalcitrants mentioned.

Ah yes. This is the good juicy stuff. In my opinion, if a book about the "history of the O.T.O." is going to be written now, it should be very much current and up-to-date.

If the book simply stops at, "Crowley left it to Germer, and the Caliphate lived happily ever after"... why, I would almost even want to invoke the term "cowardice".

[eol]

And how about just waiting for the book to get published and then reading it instead of writing 10 pages on this forum full of "if the book this... if the book that..." without having a slightest clue what Mr Kaczynski actually wrote?

[Azidonis]

And how about just waiting for the book to get published and then reading it instead of writing 10 pages on this forum full of "if the book this... if the book that..." without having a slightest clue what Mr Kaczynski actually wrote?

Good idea. I think I'll wait for the reviews before shelling out the cash though.

[ptoner]

Good news, Richards book seems to be all about the pre 1913 history of the O.T.O..

The quote below is taken from Ricards Facebook page.

"‎*TOP REJECTED TITLES FOR MY OTO ORIGINS BOOK*
4. Forgotten Founder: The Life of Henry Klein
3. Rise of the Sex Magicians
2. Manifest Clandestiny
1. The Sexy Female Mason Pin-Up Book

#4 was the original title, but the book grew to encompass much more than that. A title like #3 requires werewolves and vampires, but all I had was some gnomes and one vampire.

In the end, I arrived at "Forgotten Templars: The Untold Origins of Ordo Templi Orientis." "

" The more I researched, the more I realized it needed to be written. So even though it wasn't my original intention, that's wht the book became. (And, just to clarify, this book covers the *origins* of OTO...i.e., it covers the back story and history through 1913)."

Just the exact type of book I was looking for!

[WilliamThirteen]

having seen Richard present on Henry Klein at the Symposium last year I am sure this will be a fascinating read. While some of this material might already be available from 'other sources', bringing it all together, in English, in an actually readable form, is a great service. And ending the tale at 1913 avoids the minefield altogether...

[Shiva]

And ending the tale at 1913 avoids the minefield altogether...

It's nice that an historical text is available, but it's how the Order was possibly purloined by AC and how it developed after his coronation, and especially after his death, that bears on the present state of world affairs.

Perhaps I will write that Chapter. I believe it could be done in eleven pages or less. It could be titled ...

The Minefield of the Gods

[lashtal]

having seen Richard present on Henry Klein at the Symposium last year I am sure this will be a fascinating read.

Agreed absolutely. This is a well-informed writer, passionate about his subject.

[WilliamThirteen]

and you ain't so bad yourself Paul!

[666tsaeb]

According to the author, Forgotten Templars (A History of the O.T.O.) is now done and off to the printers just today. It no doubt will be loaded with photographs, anecdotes and the fruits of his tireless and accurate research. It should prove an excellent companion volume to his Perdurabo.

[FraterLucius]

Table of contents for "Forgotten Templars":

Part One: The Key Players
=================
1. Henry Klein: Struggling Victorian Muso 1
2. Klein in Concert 19
3. Theodor Reuss: International Man of Mystery 33
4. Franz Hartmann: From Wild West Country Doctor to World-Class Occult Authority 49
5. Carl Kellner: Occult Medicine, Yoga and Theosophy 67
6. On the Bleeding Edge of Steampunk Music Tech 93

Part Two: Setting the Stage
==================
7. Cultural Background: From Crafty Lodges to Proto-Hippies 113
8. Cerneau’s Ancient and not-so-Accepted Scottish Rite 119
9. The Ancient & Primitive Rite of Egyptian Masonry 139
10. John Yarker: Masonic Archaeologist 163

Part Three: Ordo Templi Orientis
=====================
11. Beginnings (1902–1906) 185
12. Troubles (1905–1907) 213
13. A Critical Appraisal 239
14. Emergence (1906–1913) 252

Epilogue 277

Also includes an introduction, five appendices, and an index.

[eol]

The book has been out for a couple of weeks(Richard posted on his G+ that it's been released on the 20th of June,  if I'm not mistaken). Anybody had a chance to read it?

[WilliamThirteen]

read it? I'm still trying to lift it - the dang thing is so heavy...