Another wonderful collection of items in the latest list from Caduceus Books.
It’s dominated by material relating to C F Russell, who was 21 when he encountered Crowley in 1918. Known as Frater Genesthai, he studied at Cefalu where he attained initiation. He practiced some sex magick workings with Crowley which he writes about in his 4 volume autobiography “Znuz is Znees“.
Just a reminder, though, that I do not receive these details “in advance” — I receive them only as a member of the Caduceus Books mailing list. As a result, you see them here after most collectors: if you consider yourself a serious collector of Thelemic items I would recommend that you register your details with Ben Fernee to ensure that you increase the possibility of some of the items still being available…
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A European Library purchased the entire catalogue of the Frieda Lady Harris, Aleister Crowley Tarot list recently sent out so this list of items has been brought forward.
Contents:-
C.F. Russell:-
1) Introduction
2) Correspondence between Russell, Crowley and Leah Hirsig
4) Photgraphic Negatives of Book of the Law
5) Books and booklets written and published by Russell
i) Earliest works
ii) Mathematical – Esoteric Works
iii) Chinese related works and Russell’s development of Ming
iv) Ming teachings
v) A summary of teachings
vi) The autobiography
6) Books owned by Russell
7) Payment methods
All prices are in UK Pounds. Not all email software reproduces the UK Pound sign, in which case the following characters appear instead: £
Exchange rate information can be found here:- http://www.xe.com/ucc/
Please note some of these items will be shipped to purchasers directly by the Russell family. Please only make an order if you have no objection to your postal address being communicated to them.
1) Introduction
C.F. Russell was 21 when he encountered Crowley in 1918. He was quickly inducted into the OTO and worked hard to promote the Order under Frater Achad in Detroit taking the Magical Name Frater Genesthai. He travelled to Cefalu where he attained initiation during a retirement upon “the Rock” July 23, 1921 – with no doubts about it in his own being . He practiced some sex magick workings with Crowley which he writes about in his 4 volume autobiography “Znuz is Znees”. In time he could see where things were going & he drifted apart from Crowley but maintained his desire to teach magick & pursue the Great Work deeper. He founded the G.’.B.’.G.’. & the Choronzon Club (See Culling & Starr) , teaching sex and ceremonial magick. In time (~ 1940) he began to settle down & transformed his teachings of the Great Work into a more awake & conscious logical framework. Highlights of these methods can be found in “Znuz is Znees” . Near his death at age 90 he still claimed that mathematics and projective geometry were the safest methods of initiation & exploration of the occult. He also created the Ming dialect of Chinese as a more compact language for describing his projective geometry exercises. He increasingly incorporated this dialect (Ming) in his commentaries on the Yi King (I Ching) and into his teachings which included Zen painting techniques. The Ming does make his later writing deeply abstruse to the casual reader. Advocates observe that his teachings are akin to meditation and are in effect a form of mental training.
More information about Russell and his works can be found at:-
http://cfrussell.homestead.com/files/contents.htm
Information about many of the books can be found here:-
http://fastblogit.com/tags/cfr
A translation device for Russell’s use of Ming can be found here:-
http://icybermind.net/mingdict1.html (complete, with characters) http://icybermind.net/mingdict1.html (faster, without characters)
2) Correspondence between Russell, Crowley and Leah Hirsig
21 items, Order No. CF-AC-01 £6500. The items are:-
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, August 11 (1918?), 170 words, Uses Thelemic salutations, signed “Fraternally ever, 666” Congratulates Russell’s grasp of Magick but warns him to be careful. Complains about problems with preparations of Blue Equinox, some nice Crowleyisms. Some staining, Good only
C.F Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, October 13 1918, 236 words. Uses Thelemic salutations. Russell complains of the oppression and oposition he has experienced in the navy and talks of O.T.O. matters. Seems a little disjointed. Very Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, October 30 1918, 132 words, paper has OTO lamen printed in red relief top left corner. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Taking up Russell’s offer to lend Crowley a set of the Equinox for printer to copy components for the Blue Equinox. Crowley explains he cannot use his own as he has to refer to is so often. Addressed to Russell at Naval Hospital, Russell has taped a strip of paper to obscure that address but it is easy to move aside. Section missing from top of page (presumably sender’s address otherwise Very Good condition
C.F Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, Not Dated (November 1918) 51 words. Uses Thelemic salutations. Agreeing to lend Crowley a set of the Equinox. Very Good condition
C.F Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, 5 November 1918 60 words. Uses Thelemic salutations. Confirming dispatch of a set of the Equinox. A paper strip taped to paper obscures the address of the Navy sick quarters Very Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, November 12 1918, 50 words plus 7 word annotation, paper has OTO lamen printed in relief in red top left corner. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Crowley is travelling to Atlantic City and wonders if Russell can meet him. Has recipient’s address, a U.S. Navy sick quarters obscured by paper taped to letter, Part of top section removed, presumably with sender’s address otherwise Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Handwriten Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, Not dated (November 1918), 25 words. Headed note paper of Alamac Hotel, Atlantic City. Uses abbreviated Thelemic salutations. Signed “666” Crowley is in Atlantic City and asks if Russell can meet him. Very Good condition
C.F Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, 13 November 1918 53 words. Uses Thelemic salutations. Russell apologies for not being able to meet Crowley in Atlantic City. Fine condition. Has the abbreviated address of US Naval hospital obscured with paper strip fixed with tape
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, January 2nd 1919, 113 words, paper has OTO lamen printed in red top left corner. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Crowley congratulates Russell insight and endeavours to arrange a meeting. Has first line of address “Care of the War Camp Community Service” obscured with paper strip taped to paper though remainder of the New York address is visible Very Good condition
Leah Hirsig, Handwritten Letter, to C.F. Russell, May 1919 2pp 225 words. She comments on her life in New York, refers to Russell moving to Detroit to work Jones (Frater Achad), Crowley, a man called Jerrill who appears to be contemplating suicide, Dr. Seidel and experiments concerning matchsticks Very Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, Not Dated (May 1919?), 129 words, Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Crowley congratulates on his move to Detroit to work with Jones (ie Frater Achad) “..are now in the hands of one who will not let you err” Mention of Soror Ahita and Leah Hirsig who “..sends her warmest affection to her absent sailor-boy” Also return of some of Russell’s set of the Equinox, Very Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Handwriten Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, May 27 1919, 2pp 373 words.. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally (with a headache from overwork) 666” Crowley refers to his reticence in writing of certain things except in terms that can be explained away. He councils Russell that his courage is greater than his discretion and refers to Russell’s experiment in the hospital. This may be reference to Russell’s cocaine overdoes. Mentions Russell’s magical record going to Jones (Frater Achad) to him. He refers a couple of times to Russell’s youth and to forming a body of adherents devoted to the cause. Some delightful Crowleyisms. Very Good
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, June 11 (1919), 208 words, headed notepaper of Equinox in New York featuring design by J.F Fuller of a naked man and woman embracing in front of a black sun and various heavenly bodies. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Intruiging references to “Ethel” (perhaps Ethyl Ether) and “Anh. Lew.” That being Anhalonium lewinii or Mescaline, concerning the latter he requests Russell’s record for his collection. There is also reference to teachings concerning sex Very Good condition
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, June 17 1919, 102 words, headed notepaper of Equinox in New York featuring design by J.F Fuller of a naked man and woman embracing in front of a black sun and various heavenly bodies. Uses Thelemic salutations. Signed “Fraternally 666” Discusses black magic and refers to sex magic. Crowley congratulates Russell one something he has written concerning the matter and exhorts his to never write anything about it again nor to to discuss with anyone. He states that Russell has not got the whole formula and it is very important that he establish a direct understanding with Crowley Good condition
C.F. Russell, Typed Letter Signed, to Aleister Crowley, July 17 1919, 163 words. Uses Thelemic salutations. Addressed to Crowley at Montauk where presumably Crowley had returned for another magical retirement. Russell announces to Crowley his choice of magical motto and askes Crowley to analyse it. On the reverse:- Aleister Crowley, Handwritten Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, not dated (July 1919?) 140 words. Signed “Thy father 666” A significant letter. Russell has decided his magical motto and Crowley analysis its gemetria and significance with some delightful Crowley touches. The letter gives Crowley’s address as Montauk N.Y. and he refers to his magical retirement. He also gives Russell a mantra fro the Muladhara Chakra that adds up to 666. Very Good
C.F. Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, August 26, 1919, 3pp approx. 1500 words. Gives Thelemic Salutations. Discusses OTO matters with some veiled criticism of Jones (Frater Achad), he describes how he has been lecturing to promote the cause every week but confesses as to how difficult he finds this. He mentions a gentleman called Schloss who is trying to found a feminist spiritual society which he suggests may be useful to the OTO. A number of references to the Book of the Law and to Choronzon, the demon of Dispersion, who he feels frustrates the endeavours of the Order. Edges very chipped
C.F. Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley, September 9, 1919, 3pp approx. 1500 words. Gives first Thelmic Salutation, letter lacks closing but last sheet may have had nothing but that and hence was not retained. Clearly Russell has been undertaking A.’A.’. work and describes at length his integration of magical endeavour into the most mundane aspects of his life. He wishes to make his life and act of magical art and describes his view of the Universe Very Good
Aleister Crowley, Handwriten Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, Thelemically dated (March 5th 1920), 60 words. Abbreviated Thelemic salutations, signed “666”. Advises Russell to learn French and invest his savings in Francs so that he can join them in Fontainebleau, describing the grand life they are leading
Aleister Crowley, Typed Letter Signed, to C.F. Russell, July 20th 1920, 172 words. Uses Thelemic Salutations, signed “Fraternally The Beast” Address given as Villa Santa Barbara, Cefalu, Sicily. Crowley describes contributions to the Abbey and Russell’s forthcoming visit, plus the supply of fine tobacco. Makes politically incorrect reference to Italians. Very Good Condition
C.F. Russell, Typed Letter (Carbon Copy), to Aleister Crowley (c.August) 1920 Approx. 3pp 1300 words. Discusses OTO matters with the Arrival of W.T. Smith from Vancouver. He bemoans the lack of enthusiasm and drive of his fellow members giving many instnaces, discusses performance of initiation rituals and the qualities of prospective members. A perp strip taped to letter obscures Russell’s address Very Good
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3) Photographic Negatves of Book of the Law
In 1926 Crowley issued 11 sets of photographic images of the manuscript of Liber Al together with a folded printed title page carrying an introduction and bearing a wax seal, all contained in a purpose made box. This has been referred to as the “Tunis Edition” of the Book of the Law. Russell acquired the copy that Crowley gave Dorothy Olson. He, or someone on his behalf, took photographs of this item and two sets of negatives survive. It is of importance as despite the text’s exhortion that the scribe “shall not in one letter change this book” Crowley did indeed make additional marks to the manuscript. Also, it would appear that some marks. Given that great importance has been perceived in some of these additions the comparison of photographic images of the original manuscript at different periods has become a field of study for certain Thelemites. The first photographic reproduction appeared in 1912 in Volume I No.7 of the Equinox, though much reduced, each page being little over one square inch! The Tunis Edition was the second time that Crowley reproduced the manuscript, the first time in a usable format and the first publication of the notorious comment forbidding study of the Book of the Law. However being incredibly rare very few people have had the opportunity to examine it. The third presentation took place in 1936 where reproductions of the manuscript appeared as loose sheets in a sleeve at the back of Equinox of the Gods (see below). Hence the importance of these photographic negatives. It would appear that one particular page was of extreme interest to Russell, I am unable to ascertain why.
Set 1 – 74 Negatives 7ins x 5ins Comprising:-
64 Negatives of manuscript (one missing
9 Negatives of Introduction (complete)
1 Negative, apparenty taken on another occasion (the background is different) of one page of the manuscript, this duplicates one of the 64
1 Photgraphic Print of that page with handwritten annotation on reverse stating that it was made with 20 seconds exposure.
Some of the images crop text and there is some variation in exposure. Order No. Russell-Set 1 £400
Set 2 – 70 Negatives 10 x 8ins
65 Negatives of manuscript (complete)
6 Negatives of Introduction (complete)
All the negatives aboe are seperated one from another bya sheet of black paper. Contained in four double card boxes each containing images of one chapter of the Book of the Law plus the Introduction. Each has the first line of that chaper and “Book of the law” in what appears to be Russell’s hand writing. One box has an annotation showing a simple representation of one page with its page and verse numbers (the same one as duplicated in Set 1.) There is an annotation that, frustratingly, is difficult to read but may be “unknown” plus some other lines. Enclosed in this box is:-
1 Negative, 7.5ins x 6ins, apparenty taken on another occasion (the background is different) of one page noted on the box.
1 Photgraphic Print of that page with handwritten annotation on reverse stating that it was made with 20 seconds exposure. Order No. Russell-Set 1 £600
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4) Books and booklets writtten and published by Russell
Please note some multiple copies of many but not all of the items published by Russell are available. An order for one copy of everything takes precedent and attracts a discount of approximately 13.25%
One copy of every item written and published by Russell as described below. Order No. CRF01 £1950 (saving £229)
i) The earliest works
Book Chameleon, A New Version of the Favourite Book of Confucius, 11th April 1940 small format (6ins x 4ins) card covered booklet 0000, 000, 00, 0 (ie iv) + 66pp Audacious new version of the I Ching. Commences by ascribing alchemical, planetary, elemental and zodiac aspects to the sectioned faces of a cube in an entirely logical manner. The I Ching trigrams, planets, Daath & the sephiroth below Abyss, planets and other attributes are then ascribed to the appropriate corners of the cube. This cube, with its trigram attributions is then used to generate a whole new and original version of the I Ching which in turn should be read with special male and female dice He also ascribes numerical value to the Hebrew Alphabet Order No. CRF02 £15
C.F. Russell, Provenance, Bookhaven Press 1944 1st Ed Ltd. Ed. xiv + 98pp One of 50 copies issued “For experienced bookmen only, not for sale” Bibliography of books in his library. He eschews the homely production values of other productions. Properly typeset and printed, bound in blue rexine, top edge trimmed and coloured. It has the dust wrapper which carries the instruction “The Dust-Jacket is a Collector’s Item – save it” It carries an errata list, plus a list of names indicating to whom copies were given. This copy has the additional loose errata slip. A delightful testament to eccentric bibliographical obsession, with useful mention of a couple of Crowley titles Pages uncut. Mint in Fine DW . Order No. CRF03 £185
ii) Mathematical – Esoteric Works
Barbara Cubed, The Manual of Pure Logic, Times-Mirror Press, April 1944, Card Covered booklet 24pp. The reverse of the pre-title page signifies that this work is intended for members of the Practicus grade. It presents an elegant amalgam of logic, Venn diagrams, linguistics and alchemical concepts to generate the Barbara Cubed concept, a subdivided cube with meaningful attributions Order No. CRF04 £30
Tropermic Calculus, Printed for the Author and His Friends by Times-Mirror-Press, April 1944 vi + 42pp Reverse of the pre-title (or bastard title as Russell refers to it) is a dedication to the grade of Adeptus. This work explores the full set of different ways a cube may be placed in front of an observer, which is titled a “Tablock”, it then examines the permutations between male and female tablocks Order No. CRF05 £30
Grammar of Changes, Times-Mirror Press 1944 48pp Carrying on from Tropermic Calculus this work explores the further permutations of male and female cubes with alchemical, symbols attributed to various sections of the side. Three dimensional manipulations of these cubes generate multiple permutations of male and female charted here Order No. CRF06 £30
Combinational Arithmetic, Times-Mirror Press 1st November1944 iv + 12pp An original contribution to the theory of numbers. A “polygram” or sequence of numbers can be generated from any number. The polygrams can then be combined, like logarithms, to give easy answers to mathematical problems Order No. CRF07 £30
Manual of Electrocombinational Engineering, Times-Mirror Press, 17th April 1944, Card covered booklet 16pp Gives detailed instructions including wiring diagrams etc for constructing a series of electronic devices:- the Log-in which solves logical deductions; the Trigrammatron to demonstrate the relationship of the components of the I Ching; the Cubatron which demonstrates the relationship between the points of the cube generated in Book Chameleon; The Zo-tron (or Crystomat) explores the relationship of the astrological signs; the Sextron explores a trigrammatic analysis of the cube; the Tertron explores the third degree cube; the Tertron is an electronic incorporation of the “second-degree tetrak” which it notes is a fourth dimensional configuration, the Compatron; the Tetrapermutron etc. Presumably the references to the degrees relate to the Gnostic Brotherhood of God, positive-negative / male-female reference occur frequently Order No. CRF08 £30
Note an order for one copy each of these items:- Barbara Cubed Tropermic Calculus Grammar of Changes Combinational Arithmetic Manual of Electrocombinational Engineering Order No. CRF09 £120 (saving 20%)
iii) Chinese related works and Russell’s development of Ming
Abso-Ming-Wen-Lutely Absey-Booke, Reed Litho 30th Sept. 1954 32pp card covered booklet. A free flowing poetry that associates Chinese words with western esoteric, religious and philosophical ideas, with some whimsy and humour. In Znuz is Znees the author states that this poem can be intoned to the phallus in magical ritual Order No. CRF10 £18
Book of Radicals, Shu Pu, Reed Litho 7th October 1954, 8pp booklet. Giving Chinese figures, their sound, a basic English meaning and a numerical value. Order No. CRF11 £18
Rime Store, Yon Fer, Reed Litho 12th Nov. 1954 48pp card covered booklet. As with Abso-Ming-Wen-Lutely Absey-Booke a Chinese name is given then is English equivalent and a further definition which gives Russell the opportunity to express his own meanings n this booklet the Ming words are rhymed. It is a rhyming dictionary of Ming.Order No. CRF12 £18
Rough Cloth, Zao Jing, 24th November 1954 Card covered 48pp Chinese pictograms rendered into English Order No. CRF13 £18
Silver Cradle, Yut Wo, 22 December 1954 Card covered booklet 24pp Further investigation of nature of Chinese pictograms Ming dictionary in order of the count of strokes to make the character. Order No. CRF14 £18
Note an order for one copy each of these items:- Abso-Ming-Wen-Lutely Absey-Booke Book of Radicals, Shu Pu Rime Store, Yon Fer Rough Cloth Silver Cradle Order No. CRF15 £70 (saving 22%)
iv) Ming teachings
The following booklets are written in Russell’s Ming Dialect of Chinese employed for its compactness as it permits the exercise diagrams, description of contents and instructions as to how the draw the diagrams to all exist on the same page. Serious study with require the student to learn about three dozen Ming words. Occasionally English translation is given to assist the student.
A translation device for Russell’s use of Ming can be found here:- http://icybermind.net/mingdict1.html (complete, with characters) http://icybermind.net/mingdict1.html (faster, without characters)
Dragon Pearls, Maw Ni, 17th January 1955 Card covered booklet 32pp Exploring geometry and Ming words. Translation of the Ming can be found at:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/dragon%20pearls Order No. CRF16 £42
Gentle Rain, Sun Zy, 1st February 1955 Card covered booklet 16pp Further investigation of projective geometry and mystic Ming pictograms. A translation of the paragraph headings forming a table of contents can be found at:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/sun%20zyun Order No. CRF17 £42
Wild Rice, Yieh Mee, 21st February 1955 Card covered booklet 32pp pictograms and sacred geometry. Most pages are headed S.’.S.’.S.’. an enigmatic 19th Century occult order sometimes associated with Emma Harding Brittain but probably here representing Shoon Szu Shoon which it may mean the conjoined embryo and serpent with a monkey on either side, perhaps the new form of the Gnostic Brotherhood of God Subsequent booklet also carry the S.’.S.’.S.’. Table of contents (translated) can be found at:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/wild%20rice Order No. CRF18 £42
Jade Mirror, Yok Kyn, Card covered booklet 32pp Increasingly complex and dense exploration of Ming, maths and geometry. Table of contents in English can be found at:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/jade%20mirror Order No. CRF19 £42
Hill Road, Sang Lo, 16th April 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp Entirely in Ming Table of contents in English can be found here:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/hill%20road Order No. CRF20 £42
Spring Palace, Jun Koong, 14th May 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp Entirely in Ming. Table of contents in English can be found here:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/spring%20palace Order No. CRF21 £42
Water Chestnuts, Chek Sak, 11th June 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp Entirely in Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/water%20chestnuts Order No. CRF22 £42
Open Door, Tek Men, 26th July 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp Entirely in Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/open%20door Order No. CRF23 £42
Gnaw Through, Zhi Gah, 30th August 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp Entirely Ming. Translated table of contents:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/gnaw%20through Order No. CRF24 £42
Horseback, Mar Siang, 11 October 1955, Card covered booklet 32pp In English and Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/horseback Order No. CRF25 £42
Mud Hut, Mao Sha, 15 November 1955, Attractive green and gold card covered booklet 32pp In English and Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/mud%20hut Order No. CRF26 £42
North Well, Bo Dzing, 3rd January 1956, Card covered booklet 32pp Exploration of geometry, maths and Ming. Translated table of contents:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/north%20well Order No. CRF27 £42
Millet Valley, Sah Kuk, 14th February 1956, Card covered booklet 32pp Further exploration of Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/millet%20valley Order No. CRF28 £42
Copper Kettle, Toong Du, 20th March 1956, Card covered booklet 32pp Given the date the card has a surprisingly good beaten copper effect. In Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/copper%20kettle Order No. CRF29 £42
Peppermint, Poh Hoh, 15th June 1956, Card covered booklet 32pp Exploration of projective geometry in Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/peppermint Order No. CRF30 £42
Blooming Umbrella, Hwa Chi, 10th October 1956, Card covered booklet 32pp Investigation utilising Ming, includes analysis of the Tree of Life. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/blooming%20umbrella Order No. CRF30 £42
Phenix Marrow, Fung Swi, 18th April 1957, Card covered booklet 32pp In English and Ming. Table of contents in English:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/phenix%20marrow Order No. CRF31 £42
Lantern Riddles, Ten Mi, 3rd May 1957, Card covered booklet 32pp In English and Ming. Translated table of contents:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/lantern%20riddles Order No. CRF32 £42
Note an order for one copy each of these items:- Dragon Pearls Gentle Rain Wild Rice Jade Mirror Hill Road Spring Palace Water Chestnuts Open Door Gnaw Through Horseback Mud Hut North Well Millet Valley Copper Kettle Peppermint Blooming Umbrella Phenix Marrow Lantern Riddles Order No. CRF33 £550 (saving 27.25%)
v) A summary of teachings
Book Chameleon, A New Version in Verse of the Yi King, 2nd Ed. June 1967 Paperback xx + 164pp This work has a new 8pp introduction in which Russell speaks with lucidity and clarity about his magical system and its place in religious and occult beliefs and practices. Two paintings by Russell are reproduced as is Rough Cloth plus an excerpt from Silver Cradle. There is a supplement in Ming by Waw (presumably an identity or contact of Russell’s. As Genesthai he translates this into English, it is 4pp piece on sex magick with a reference to LSD. This work presents Russell’s understanding of sex magick in greater clarity than anywhere else. The cover has a deliberately phallic design and Russell apparently used sex magic in the production of the poetic versification of this classic of changes. More information can be found at:-
http://fastblogit.com/permalink/?item=3222 Order No. CRF34 £110
vi) The autobiography
Russell’s autobiography, Znuz is Znees, The tables of contents of all 4 volumes can be found at:- http://fastblogit.com/tags/znuz%20is%20znees
Znuz is Znees (Vol.I), Published by the Author 1969, Large format hardback 11ins x 9ins vi + 77pp Diagrams. Rather than presenting a chronological description of the author’s life each chapter describes a category of life experience. After the prologue the author shares his distrust of doctors, gives a detailed bibliography of his publications, provides scatological anecdote and gives some account of his education. Another describes sexual experience. He also describes his first encounters with Crowley and how he was initiated into the IIIrd degree OTO. Much of the book is given over to geometrical exploration utilising the authors unique system of symbolism with the intent that traditional Euclidian geometry is transformed to manifest Infinity upon the page. Very sight and unobtrusive marks to paper covering the boards, generally Fine Order No. CRF35 £245
Znuz is Znees (Vol.I), Memoirs of a Magician, Revised and Enlarged 2nd Ed. Published by the Author 1970 Large format hardback Illustrations and diagrams. 11ins x 9ins 0000 (ie 4pp of preliminaries in author’s original form of pagination) + iv Prologue + 161pp. This edition has very substantial additional sections including:- a chapter of anecdotes and opinion concerning food and drink and also ether used as a drug; an exploration of letter sounds and poetry; his very varied work career; encounters with prostitutes etc. He also describes his ex-pupil Louis T. Culling and recommends his publication the Complete Magick Curriculum of the G.’.B.’.G.’. then makes corrections and comments which make it clear that Culling never had the complete system. He gives indications as to important sex magick teachings in his published works. He also describes some additions to his library since the publication of Provenance Near Mint Order No. CRF36 £150
Znuz is Znees, Memoirs of a Magician Volume II, Published by the Author 1970 (v) + (99pp) – actual pagination continues on from 2nd Ed. of Vol.I Continues the exploration of transcendent geometry. Describes his experiences at Cefalu including details of his sex magick workings with Crowley and gives his magickal diary for his famous eight day magical retirement in a hut atop a rock. Also describes Frank Bennett and other members of the group. The author explores the nature of male and female through mathematical permutations. He describes the Tree of Life to which he applies geometric permutations; the Log-in his electronic device for exploring logic. The chapters titled “Block Working” and “Frame Working” are important as they relate to the first G.’.B.’.G.’. teachings relating to cubes, the first reproduces photographs of Russell’s own physical constructions, very reminiscent of Enochian tablets. A method for combining the forces of two I Ching hexagrams is examined as are the principles of Yoga. A number of photographs of the author are reproduced. Unobtrusive crayon mark on back cover otherwise Fine Order No. CRF37 £150
Znuz is Znees, Memoirs of a Magician Volume III, Published by the Author 1972 (vii) + (354pp) actual pagination following on from Vol.II Illustrated In this work Russell gives excerpts from the G.’.B.’.G.’. texts Tai Shu and Thun Tsiu where Chinese and other mythologies are explored in word and image, the artwork is vibrant and naïve. It would appear he was endeavouring to develop a new language with which to communicate the Mysteries. The Chinese related concepts are then harnessed to mathematical and geometric permutations and a glossary of terms is generated. Various photographs also reproduced. Fine Order No. CRF34 £330
Znuz is Znees, Memoirs of a Magician Volume IV, Published by the Author 1972 (vi) + (42pp) actual pagination following on from Vol.II. Here Russell uses projective geometry to explore the proof of Fermat’s last theorem, a mathematical problem first set forth in the 17th Century. Fine Order No. CRF34 £68
Note an order for one copy each of these items:- Znuz is Znees (Vol.I) 1st Ed Znuz is Znees (Vol.I) 2nd Ed Revised and enlarged Znuz is Znees (Vol.II) Znuz is Znees (Vol.III) Znuz is Znees (Vol.IV) Order No. Order No. CRF35 £870 (saving 7%)
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5) Books owned by Russell
Frater Achad, Anatomy of the Body of God, Being the Supreme Revelation of the Divine Consciousness, Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum 1925 Larger format (11ins x 8ins) Coloured frontispiece plate, xv + 111pp. Nimbered limited edition of 250 (22 of them being given a Hebrew letter) signed by the author, this being number 6. Cloth spine with paper coloured boards, the decoration to the paper being particulalry striking. An elegant book, with decorated capitals The corners are worn, The paper label on the spine is browned and there is some loss at the coners, A significant portion of the paper label on the front board has been lost. Some unobtrusive browning of the preliminary and last few pages. Good plus sound copy Order No. 320007 £250
Frater Achad, Crystal Vision Through Crystal Gazing, Yogi 1923 1st Ed xii + 116pp Quarter bound in dark red rexine with paper covered boards . Includes discussion of Dee and Kelly and makes reference to other members of the A.’.A.’. Etc. This copy has 20 or so pencilled annotations by C.F. Russell, mostly just underlining, ticks, exclaimation or question marks but three are brief comments, one identifying where the text alludes to Crowley. Fixed by paper tape to the rear pastedown is a printed postal label with the sender and addressees details ie C.S.Jones (Frater Achad) & C.F.Russell typed in. Presumably Russell wanted to note the fact that he received the book direct from the author. A stamp on the label indicates the postage was 12 cents! There is very slight wear to top and tail of spine and paper covering spine but the overall condition is better than Very Good Order No. 320006 £135
Frater Achad, Egyptian Revival, or The Ever-Coming Son In the Light of the Tarot, Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum 1923 Numbered Limited Edition of 1001 signed by the author, this being number 143. xviii + 120pp + foldout diagram + 8pp adverts. A handsome book, quarter bound in cloth, the paper covered board gilt blocked. This copy has penned annotations by Russell (56 words plus some underlining – sometimes questioning what Achad states). Some gilt has flaked away as is usual wit this edition, there is wear to corners and top edges of boards, paper spine label missing Order No. 320005 £250
Frater Achad, Q.B.L., or The Brides Reception Being a Short Cabalistic Treatise on the Nature & Use of the Tree of Life with a Brief Introduction & a Lengthy Appendix, Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum nd. (1922) 1st Ed Privately Printed Numbered Limited Edition of 250 (this being number 143) signed by the author this copy having the additional inscription “Ever Fraternally” accompanying the signature. Four coloured plates and diagrams including a foldout. xiv + 106pp + 43pp + 2pp adverts (books availiable from Collegium ad Spiritum Sanctum and occult jewellery available from Max Schneider). Quarter bound in cloth with paper covered boards with gilt blocked ankh lamen design. Top edge gilt. The paper spine label is in Fine condition but has become has become detached and is loosely enclosed. Some wear to corners exposing card stock, slight and unobtrusive wear to paper covering boards. Slight disclolouration to cloth covering spine. Faint dampstain to preliminaries and slight yellowing of first plate and tissue guards. Overall a VG minus sound copy Order No. 320001 £200
Aleister Crowley, Konx Om Pax, Essays in Light, S.P.O.R.T. 1907 1st Ed. Numbered limited edition of 500, this being number 8, Frontispiece plate with tissue guard, xii + 108pp + 12pp adverts. Top edge gilt. Handmade paper. Unexpectedly for such a low number this copy is not signed and is in white buckram dramatically blocked in gilt with the elongated letters that can only be read when viewed from an angle. As is usually the case the white cloth has become darkened with use, especially along the spine. Also the cloth has lifted from the back board somewhat but this is unobtrusive Order No. 320010 £490
Aleister Crowley, Olla, An Anthology of Sixty Years in Song, OTO Winter Solstice 1946 1st Ltd Ed of 500 Large format (11ins x 9ins) 128pp Frontispiece Plate (drawing of AC in later life by Augustus John) The last book published by the Old Man, & his last word on his life expressed in the selection of poems. Funny, touching & very strong, bristling with insights, an excellent book indeed! As with all copies it has the sigil of the Beast gilt stamped on the front cover, but a printer’s imp interceded and it appears upside down! This copy in brown cloth (some were in green). Wear to tail of spine, slight wear to corners, bottom edge of boards slightly bumped spotting to preliminary pages and latter pages but overall VG minus in quite worn DW which is rubbed and quite chipped with slight loss which has a Frieda Harris drawing of Crowley staring out at the viewer Order No. 320100 £225
Aleister Crowley (as Mahatma Guru Sri Paramahansa Shivaji), Eight Lectures on Yoga, O.T.O. 1939 1st Ed Large format 12ins x 9ins 84pp + (4pp) ads Frontispiece plate tipped in. Pink erratum slip present. VG cleanin DW which is quite badly chipped with some loss and has a tear of approiximately 2 ins. However the striking photo of Crowley in a yoga pose is unaffected F in VG DW Order No. 320100 £435
Aleister Crowley, Equinox of the Gods, O.T.O. 1936 1st Ed Large format 11.5ins x 9ins coloured, double sided Plate of Stele of Revealing 137pp. Has Errata slip and bound in a sleeve holding card folder printed in black and red. This contains 65 loose sheets with manuscript of Liber Al with the note printed in red. Wear to cloth is severe but very localised, affecting only the base of spine (with some loss to the gilt blocking) and a very small spot half way up the spine, also wear to bottom edge of sleeve holding the loose sheets of Liber Al. Some very slight and unobtrusive stains on front board but therwise a clean bright copy Order No. 320101 £450
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