My sincere thanks to Weiser Antiquarian for choosing LAShTAL.COM to announce their latest book list.
There are some remarkable items here.
Of course, there is a vast amount of bibliographic and biographic information in the list, all of which is now available to all visitors to LAShTAL.COM…
The list includes: “two fascinating historical pieces: the original manuscript diaries for the years 1911-1914 of Eugene Wieland, who, along with his wife, the poet, Ethel Archer, was deeply involved with Crowley at the height of ‘The Equinox’ period, and a corrected Proof Copy of the first volume of Crowley’s Confessions. Equally intriguing is a small collection of material relating to Crowley’s activities as a self-appointed propagandist for the Allies during the Second World War. In addition to a number of pieces of ephemera – including a signed copy of Thumbs Up, a work that was effectively a ritual curse on Hitler, there are the signed manuscripts of two unpublished and extremely vitriolic patriotic poems, one of which was clearly written in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Also in Crowley’s own hand are two letters, each with its original envelope with wax seal bearing the impression of the cartouche of Ankh-f-n-khonsu from Crowley’s ring, which Crowley wrote to Mrs. Macky (Soror Fiat Yod) – the woman to whom most of the letters in Magick Without Tears were originally addressed.”
For the full list in PDF format click here…
Please note:
The Text, Images and Design of this list are © Weiser Antiquarian Books, 2006.
No reproduction without permission please.
The following is an extract…
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Weiser Antiquarian Books Catalog # 7.
Aleister Crowley & Your Interest in Magick
An illustrated version of this catalog, with numerous photographs, can be found at: http://www.weiserantiquarian.com/catalog/
Welcome to this, the sixth of our email catalogs. To us this is perhaps the most interesting, and certainly varied, of the Crowley catalogs that we have so far produced. The first section of the catalog contains a further selection of books and typescripts from the libraries of Helen Parsons Smith (1910-2003) and her friend Gabriel Montenegro Vargas (1907-1969), both of whom were IXth degree members of Agape Lodge of the Ordo Templi Orientis. Of particular note are choice early editions of Crowley’s Ahab, and Carmen Saeculare, as well a number of ‘one-off’ items: a specially made up copy of The Book of the Law that belonged to Helen, and a beautifully bound typescript of The Tao Teh King presented to Monty by his friends and fellow Agape Lodge members, Ray and Mildred Burlingame. Oddly the Burlingames are also responsible for what is without doubt the shabbiest offering in this catalog, a copy of Crowley’s Olla, which has been rather severely gnawed by the family dog.
This section is followed by two fascinating historical pieces: the original manuscript diaries for the years 1911-1914 of Eugene Wieland, who, along with his wife, the poet, Ethel Archer, was deeply involved with Crowley at the height of ‘The Equinox’ period, and a corrected Proof Copy of the first volume of Crowley’s Confessions. Equally intriguing is a small collection of material relating to Crowley’s activities as a self-appointed propagandist for the Allies during the Second World War. In addition to a number of pieces of ephemera – including a signed copy of Thumbs Up, a work that was effectively a ritual curse on Hitler, there are the signed manuscripts of two unpublished and extremely vitriolic patriotic poems, one of which was clearly written in response to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour. Also in Crowley’s own hand are two letters, each with its original envelope with wax seal bearing the impression of the cartouche of Ankh-f-n-khonsu from Crowley’s ring, which Crowley wrote to Mrs. Macky (Soror Fiat Yod) – the woman to whom most of the letters in Magick Without Tears were originally addressed.
The tone of the catalog is then lightened by two humorous works written by Jerry Cornelius of Red Flame fame: one an impious parody of the Gnostic Catholic Mass, the other a cheeky tilt at the Beast himself in the form of a spurious correspondence twixt Crowley and his milkman.
The penultimate section comprises a small but significant group of material relating to Marcelo Ramos Motta (1931-1987) and the Societas Ordo Templi Orientis, most of which is from the collection of one of his former students. It includes a number of rarities such as a signed limited edition of The Equinox. Vol. V, No. 2, and, scarcer still, the supressed Brazilian edition of Chamando Os Filhos Do Sol [Calling the Children of the Sun]. The final section comprises a small miscellany of Crowley’s works, including a copy of the ‘Your Interest in Magick Could be the Dawn of a New Life’ leaflet reproduced to the left, and from which we purloined the title for this catalog. A link beneath this leads to a page with a supplementary list, detailing an exceptional correspondence between Reea Leffingwell and Karl Germer that we are offering for sale as a collection.
As usual, information on how to purchase the books in this list, as well as links to our earlier catalogs, are included in a separate section at the end of this email.
Our next list (Catalog Eight) will have as its focus The Occult Review, that important journal which ran under various titles from 1905 to the 1940s, and to which virtually everyone who was anyone in esoteric circles contributed: including Alice Bailey, Mabel Collins, Aleister Crowley, Florence Farr, Dion Fortune, Franz Hartmann, Elliott O’Donnell, and A. E. Waite, to name but a few. Future catalogs will focus on John Dee, Alchemy, Witchcraft, Mythology, Theosophy, and other of our specialties, as well, of course, as more Crowley.
In the meantime you can also visit our website: http://www.weiserantiquarian.com where we currently have over 13,000 books listed, with new stock added weekly.
Contents of this catalog:
a) A Selection of Books from the Libraries of Ray Burlingame, Gabriel Montenegro Vargas, and Helen Parsons Smith.
b) Two Significant Pieces in the History of Thelema.
c) Aleister Crowley Goes to War.
d) Little Heresies – in the Form of Two Parodies.
e) Two Exceptional Autograph Letters From Crowley with Original Wax-Sealed Envelopes.
f) Publications by or relating to Marcelo Ramos Motta (1931-1987) and the Societas Ordo Templi Orientis. Mostly from the collection of one of his former students.
g) A Miscellany of Works by And About Aleister Crowley.
h) Reea Leffingwell / Karl Germer Correspondence.
i) About this catalog & how to purchase from it.
a) A Selection of Books from the Libraries of Ray Burlingame, Gabriel Montenegro Vargas, and Helen Parsons Smith.
Those familiar with our catalogs will recall that in Catalog Two we offered a number of books from the library of former Agape Lodge initiate Ray Burlingame, and that in Catalog Five we offered books from the collections of his fellow Lodge members Helen Parsons Smith and Gabriel Montenegro Vargas. A further selection of books from their libraries follows:
Aleister Crowley (With an Introduction and Epilogue by ‘Count Vladimir Svareff’). Ahab and other Poems. London, England: Privately Printed at the Chiswick Press, 1903. First edition. Softcover, (viii) + 36pp (latter eccentrically paginated) Quarto (11 x 9 inches). Original off-white Japanese vellum wrappers with title enclosed in ornamental border printed in gold on upper wrapper, over plain card covers. Printed in Caxton antique type on handmade paper. Rubricated title page. Unusual. This copy from the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the front pastedown. According to Duncombe-Jewell only 162 copies were printed, 2 on vellum, 10 on Japanese Vellum, and 150 thus, on handmade paper. The book has a dedication in verse to ‘G.C.J.’, George Cecil Jones, Crowley’s friend and mentor in the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn: the poem Ahab was written by Crowley whilst visiting another old Golden Dawn associate, Alan Bennett, at Akyab in Burma. The book itself is effectively a companion to Crowley’s ‘Jezebel’ (1898) which is almost identical in size, print, type, binding, etc. Crowley used the pseudonym Count Vladimir Svareff in both: though with his typical penchant for jokes ‘Jezebel’ was said to be “by Count Vladimir Svareff, Edited With an Introduction and Epilogue, by Aleister Crowley” – an order reversed in ‘Ahab’ – which was said to be “by Aleister Crowley, With an Introduction and Epilogue by Count Vladimir Svareff.’ Largely unopened. A hint of darkening top the spine, still a near-fine copy. (27708) $1,150.00
[Aleister Crowley] Writing as St E. A. of M. and S. Carmen Saeculare. London, : Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co.,, 1901 . (First Trade Edition). Softcover, Quarto. Green paper wrappers with title etc. and shamrock device printed in black on upper wrapper. (ii) + 30pp. From the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the inside front wrapper. According to Crowley’s first bibliographer, Duncombe-Jewell this edition was limited to 450 copies (there were also 6 ‘privately printed’ copies on Roman vellum and 50 copies on handmade paper). A book of Crowley’s early poetry, comprising a Prologue. (The Exile), Carmen Saeculare, In the Hour Before Revolt and an Epilogue (To the American People on the Anniversary of their Independence.) In his ‘Confessions’ Crowley observed “Carmen Saeculare was actually the result of a more or less prophetic vision. Some of its forecasts have turned out wonderfully well, though the century is yet young; others await fulfilment — but I do not propose to linger on merely to obtain so morbid a satisfaction!” Wrappers a trifle dusty, and a little chipped around the edges, spine splitting. Faint crease across upper wrapper. Still a near VG copy of a surprisingly uncommon works (a combination of its fragile binding and pseudonymous authorship have doubtless resulted in the destruction of many copies in the past, and Carmen Saeculare is now much scarcer than its limitation might suggest.) (27704) $1,000.00
Aleister Crowley. The Equinox of the Gods (being The Equinox Vol. III, No. III). London / New York: The O.T.O. / Occult Research Press, 1937 / 1956 . (Second Printing, Second Issue). Hardcover. Quarto, vi + 138pp, Red cloth. Colour plates, diagrams. This is a 1950s reissue of the Second (1937) edition of Crowley’s Equinox of the Gods. Crowley first released the book in 1936, bound in white buckram, and with a specially-made pocket at the rear of the volume which held an envelope containing a facsimile of the original manuscript of The Book of the Law. In 1937 Crowley had the book reprinted, though the printers retained the 1936 publication date on the title page etc. A small number of the copies were printed on machine-made paper and were used for a ‘Subscriber’s Edition’ bound in cloth-backed boards. A larger number were printed on ‘Japanese paper’ and were again bound in white buckram. A significant number of the sheets of this latter issue remained unbound, and after Crowley’s death were sent to Karl Germer, who in 1955 passed approx. 500 sets of sheets to Samuel Weiser, bookseller and publisher in New York. Weiser had the generous margins cropped, and the sheets bound in maroon cloth, creating this hybrid issue. Some copies, as this, had a cancel imprint label with the name of Weiser’s publishing business at the time ‘Occult Research Press’ pasted on the title page. This issue did not have a pocket for the loose sheets of Liber AL – some copies were sold with the envelope containing them as a separate item, others were apparently were sold without them. This copy does not include them. From the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the front pastedown. Label of “Occult Research Press” on the title page, and a small rectangle of blank paper (purpose unknown) pasted on the verso of the half-title page, just above the copyright notice. A tight, clean, VG copy+ (no dustjacket – none issued) (27710) $275.00
Aleister Crowley. The Equinox of the Gods / Liber AL vel Legis / [The Book of the Law]. London: The O.T.O., 1937 / 1970 (?) . Hardcover. Quarto (9 x 11 1/2 inches), (ii) vi + 58pp (+ii) , Red leather with title down spine and gilt stamped on top board “LIBER AL vel LEGIS.” Red marble-effect endpapers, folding color plate, diagrams etc. This is a one-off book, which Helen Parsons Smith had especially bound up from sheets of 1937 Subscriber’s Edition of The Equinox of the Gods, presumably for her own personal use.
As far as is known Crowley only had 250 or so sets of sheets of the Subscriber’s Edition of The Equinox of the Gods printed. They were printed on machine-made paper, and were bound in a cheaper, cloth backed binding than the standard buckram-bound edition. Evidently some sets of the unbound sheets of the Subscriber’s Edition remained unbound and eventually passed to Helen Parsons Smith, who had some bound up in a facsimile of the white buckram binding of the ‘standard’ edition, which she then sold through her Thelema Publications business in the 1970s. However she used one set of sheets to create this book, which she kept in her own library, and was presumably for her personal use (hence the special red leather binding and elaborate titling). The sets of sheet which she acquired did not have the color plates that were originally issued with the book, so she had facsimiles made, one of which is used gatefold as a frontis to this volume. Parsons Smith obviously intended this as a special copy of The Book of the Law, only, so the text is not that of the entire Equinox of The Gods. It starts with a title page which appears to be a photocopy of the decorative section-title page for Liber AL vel Legis which appears later in the volume (p. 13). There follows pages (i-vi) and 1 – 58 of The Equinox of the Gods. (That is the complete first few sections of the book, from preliminaries through ‘The Summons,’ ‘A Summary’ ‘Liber AL vel Legis’ [text], and the first four chapters of ‘Genesis Libri Al.’ The final printed leaf is the diagram ‘A Few Indications for the student of the line to be adopted in his Elucidation of Liber AL’ which also appeared as the final leaf (p. 137/138) of The Equinox of the Gods. Errata slip at rear. Fine condition, and a unique and very personal memento an individual with a lifelong commitment to Thelema. (27714) $650.00
Aleister Crowley, Konx Om Pax. Essays in Light. London & Boleskine : Walter Scott Publishing / SPRT , 1907 . First edition. Hardcover, 8vo (8″ x 6 3/4″), xii [+ ii] + 108pp [+ 12 pp adverts]. Original black buckram, with intricate highly stylized design of book’s title stamped in white on top board. First edition. First issue. LACKS frontispiece portrait and halftitle/limitation leaf. Yorke 56. Limited to 500 numbered copies. The true first issue. Of the 500 sets of sheets of Konx Om Pax which were printed about half were bound in black buckram with white printing (symbolising light out of darkness) The remaining sheets were later bound in gilt stamped white buckram, and thus comprise the second issue. The book is a collection of poetry, plays and essays and was clearly one of Crowley’s own favourite works. He wrote glowingly of it in his ‘Confessions ‘, in particular describing the final essay ‘The Stone of the Philosophers’ as being “really beyond praise.” From the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the second blank leaf. Written in pencil in the handwriting of Helen Parsons Smith at the bottom of the title page is: ‘Crowley says “Issued only in Feb. 1908, I expect”,’ these latter words having been transcribed from a note in Crowley’s own copy. This copy is lacking the half-title leaf, with the limitation details on the verso, which would normally have been signed by Crowley (though few copies were). It is also lacking the frontispiece portrait of Crowley. Small owner’s note across bottom of title page. Internal hinges split but holding, some pulling to the inside margins. Boards rubbed, particularly at the head and tail of spine and points, with some loss to white lettering. A good copy only. (27709) $450.00
Aleister Crowley. Liber Liberi vel Lapidis Lazuli [Liber VII] Adum Datio [sic] Kabbalae Aegyptiorum Sub Figura VII. [circa 1940]. Typescript. Softbound Typescript. 40 leaves [including blanks at front and rear], typed on one side only. Sheet size, 8 x 10 inches. In contemporary grey paper wrappers, secured by string ties down left margin. From the library of Helen Parsons Smith Liber Liberi vel Lapidis Lazuli is of course one of the ‘Holy Books’ of Thelema, but despite its importance copies of the printed edition were virtually unobtainable from the mid-1920s until it was finally reprinted in 1972. Thus in pre-photocopy days Crowley’s followers had no choice but to have typescript copies, such as this, made for their own use. Given the paper size and type, this copy was probably made in England during the 1930s or 1940s and sent by Crowley to his Californian followers. Wrappers creased and with some light signs of wear, still VG. (27719) $600.00
Aleister Crowley. Untitled, but [ Liber Liberi vel Lapidis Lazuli Liber VII ]. [USA]: NP, [circa 1940 / 1950]. Typescript. Softbound Typescript. 26 leaves typed on one side only. Sheet size 8 1/2 x 11 inches, with the watermark “Eaton’s Eminence Bond Berkshire USA” . Stapled into old ‘home-made’ buff colored wrappers, apparently made from the card of office file folders. Although the wrappers are plain, and there is no title page, this is obviously the text of Liber Liberi vel Lapidis Lazuli. From the library of Helen Parsons Smith. Given the paper size and type, this copy was probably made in America during the 1940s or 1950s by Crowley’s Californian followers. Wrappers creased and with some light signs of wear, still VG. (27720) $350.00
Aleister Crowley. One Star In Sight. Issued from the Sanctuary of the Gnosis in the Valley of Los Angeles by Authority of To Mega Therion. Los Angeles, CA: The O.T.O., ND [ 1935 ].. First Edition Thus. Softcover, 6 1/4 x 9 1/4 inches. 16pp. Sewn in original silver printed black soft paper wrappers. Published by Wilfred T. Smith, founder of the Agape Lodge of the O.T.O. as part of his Crowley-directed campaign against C. F. Russell and the Choronzon Club/Gnostic Body of God (GBG). This copy from the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the front pastedown. Wrappers a little chafed around the edges. Otherwise a Fine copy. (27711) $275.00
Aleister Crowley. Olla An Anthology of Sixty Years of Song. London: The OTO, 1946. First Edition. Hardcover. Quarto. 128 pp. Original brown cloth with gilt lettering down spine and on upper board. Ray Burlingame’s copy with his ownership details on half-title page and tooth marks from the family dog. Frontis. portrait of Crowley by Augustus John. The front panel ONLY of the dustjacket with the portrait of Crowley by Lady Frieda Harris is loosely inserted. The Burlingame family dog has badly chewed the top of the spine and adjacent areas of the boards making this a reading copy only. As is. (27814) $75.00
Aleister Crowley. The Spirit of Solitude. An Autobiography. Subsequently re-Antichristened The Confessions of Aleister Crowley [ Volume 1 ONLY ]. London: The Mandrake Press,, 1929. First Edition. Hardcover. Volume I only (of 2 Vols). Quarto viii + 284pp. Original white buckram, gilt title and sigils on spines, stunning reproduction of a self-portrait sketch by Crowley and his “phallic ‘A’ signature” stamped in black on top board. Bevelled edges to boards. Teg. Printed on fine “Jap vellum.” Portrait frontispiece, plus plates & diagrams. Inscribed by Karl Germer on front free endpaper – “To Gene [Wood] from Karl [Germer]”, dated January 9, 1947. Loosely inserted at the rear is a US Customs Form dated June 29, 1947 for a book sent from England to “Miss Gene Woods” [sic]. Gene Wood served as Secretary of Agape Lodge of the O.T.O. in 1946-47 and corresponded with Crowley and Germer. The book was later passed to Gabriel Montenegro Vargas, whose bookpate appears on the front pastedown. Truly an exceptional copy: one small discolored patch on ffep, otherwise tight, unmarked, and free of foxing. The gilt work on the spine is bright, cloth is a little yellowed at head and tail of spine, but still the boards are unusually clean (being white, they are usually rather grubby) . No dustjacket (none issued). (27723) $1,200.00
Aleister Crowley. The Tao Teh King [ Typescript ]. NP, circa 1940s. Hardcover. Approx. 94 leaves (paginated xii + 82pp). Quarto ( 8 1/2 x 11 inches). An original typescript (appears to be top copy carbon), bound in butter-colored cloth boards, with decorative gilt titling and the letter Z and a pyramid of fire dots stamped in gilt on the bottom corner of the front board. The ‘Z’ on the front board signifies Zopiron, the magical name Gabriel Montenegro Vargas from whose library it came and whose bookplate is on the front pastedown. This typescript was given to Montenegro by former fellow Agape Lodge members Ray and Mildred Burlingame [Frater Aquarius 384, & Soror NTRLVChR, “Interlucere”, 894]. With their presentation inscription on the title page dated “in the Valley of Los Angeles, 13 August 1950 ev” and inscribed “To Monty | May the Knight Monks of Thelema furnish Light for your Path” and signed with their mottos.
An original typescript (first carbon) most likely dating from Crowley’s lifetime. Although circulated in typescript amongst Crowley’s students, his version of the Tao Teh King remained unpublished until 1976, when former Agape Lodge member Helen Parsons Smith produced an edition under her Thelema publications imprint (Stephen Skinner ‘s Askin Press in England produced a separate edition almost simultaneously). Given the paper size and type, this copy was probably made in America during the 1940s or 1950s by Crowley’s Californian followers. Near Fine condition. VG+ condition. (27713) $1,100.00
[Aleister Crowley] The Master Therion. Introduction by Frater E. N. L. [Israel Regardie]. The Vision and The Voice. Liber XXX Aerum Sub Figura CCCCXVIII Being of the Angels of the 30 Aethyrs. Barstow California.: Thelema Publishing Company, 1952. First edition. Hardcover, Large Quarto, [vi]+ 164pp, Original maroon textured limp boards, with simple gilt titling, and a 32 ring spiral back strip securing the quarto sheets which make up the text block. From the library of Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his bookplate on the first blank. The text includes the first publication of Crowley’s elaborate commentary on this important Enochian working. Published by Crowley’s successor Karl J. Germer, and with an Introduction by Crowley’s former Secretary and student, Israel Regardie. Genuinely scarce: this First Edition had a print-run that almost certainly did not exceed 100 copies. Corners bruised, and cover a little creased, otherwise a VG+ copy of a scarce work. (no dustjacket – none issued) (27712) $900.00
Sybil Leek. Diary of a Witch. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice-Hall, 1968. Book Club (?). Hardcover, 8vo. 188 pp, Original red cloth, gilt title and author to spine. This copy given to Helen Parsons Smith by Gabriel Montenegro Vargas with his long inscription to her on the front free endpaper. The inscription is dated February 9, 1969, at San Francisco and reads: “To Helen on her birthday-this book-only because it (or she!) refers to Aleister Crowley-and [ illegible ] succession. What a pity-yes, pity the Thelemites and, no less, Humanity. Have a good laugh and shed a tear.” A little light pencil marginalia by Helen Parsons Smith. VG+ in VG dustjacket (a little chafed and with a few short tears around the edges) (27715) $75.00
Sabahattin. The Story Of Dreamology. Hope, British Columbia: [The Author?], 1962. Softcover, 8vo. 18pp Booklet. Inscribed presentation copy from the author to Gabriel Montenegro Vargas, dated 15 November 1962. With Montenegro’s bookplate on the inside of the front wrapper. A fine copy of an unusual booklet. (27717) $60.00
Comte de Saint-Germain. Commentary, etc. by Manly P. Hall. The Most Holy Trinosophia of the Comte de St.- Germain. Los, Angeles: The Phoenix Press, 1933. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. tall quarto. 116 (+ii) pp. Original black clth spine withpaper covered boards. A Parallel French and English text. Tipped in facsimiles of pages of the original manuscript from the Bibliotheque De Troyes. This copy was a gift from Gabriel Montenegro Vargas to Helen Parsons Smith with his inscription on the recto of the second blank “To Helen from Monty [sigil] Solstice 1961 E.: V.:”. Boards somewhat rubbed at edges, and with a few light marks and scratches, otherwise a tight, clean VG + copy (no dustjacket – believe none issued) (27724) $200.00
b) Two Significant Pieces in the History of Thelema.
Eugene Wieland [Aleister Crowley: related materials]. Original Manuscript Diaries. 2 Volumes, 1911 – 1914. Hardcover unruled journals, 7 ¼ x 8 ¾. ” Cloth spines (with inked dates) over marbled paper boards. First Vol. Approx. 125 leaves, written on one side only (approx ten leaves have writing on the verso) Second Vol. Approx. 95 leaves, written on one side only (approx four leaves have writing on the verso). Eugene Wieland and his wife, the poet, Ethel Archer, were drawn into Crowley’s circle at the height of The Equinox period (1909-1913). The couple were deeply involved in both the A.: A.: & the O.T.O., with Wieland taking care of much of the administrative work for the two Orders. With Crowley’s encouragement he set up the publishing concern Wieland & Co., under which imprint a number of Crowley’s works appeared, including: Book Four Parts I & II, The Book of Lies, Mortadello, various volumes of The Equinox etc. As such he played a pivotal role in the development of Thelema during its formative years in Britain. The first diary covers the period from October 25th, 1911, to December 25th, 1911. The second runs from December 26th 1911 to January 1st, 1914. There are substantial breaks in the second diary, with patchy coverage of events in 1912, and none for 1913 (Wieland gives a four page synopsis of the events of that year, including his break with Crowley, at the end of the diary).
The diaries are personal, rather than business or ‘magical’, and in some ways are more interesting from a historical perspective because of this. They meander and are quite impressionistic, recording snippets of conversations, and Wieland’s feelings and observations about what was going on around him. Although not greatly detailed, they contain numerous fascinating word-portraits of the day-to-day activities of Crowley and those in his immediate circle: Augustus John, Mary D’Este, Victor Neuburg, Leilah Waddell et al., and some very funny and rather scandalous anecdotes concerning them.
Perhaps inevitably Wieland eventually fell out with Crowley, and the diaries also reveal his cynicism about the Beast’s personal life, and the events that led to the rift. A rare and very personal insight into this fascinating period of Thelemic history, written by one who was at its very center. (27806) $2,500.00
Aleister Crowley. The Spirit of Solitude. An Autobiography. Subsequently re-Antichristened The Confessions of Aleister Crowley. [a PROOF COPY of Volume I] London: The Mandrake Press, ND [1929]. Proof Copy. A set of unbound sheets from a Proof issue (‘corrected’ proofs – that is the last stage before publication) of Volume I only (of 2 Vols) of Crowley’s ‘Confessions.’ Quarto, 284pp. (+iv pp. blanks). Paper size and type the same as the published version. The set of proofs does not have the preliminaries but is the complete text of the Volume, starting at p. 1 – ‘Prelude’ – and running through to the end of the volume (p. 284). It is not illustrated – obviously the illustrations had not been finalized at this stage of the proofing. The Proof Copy varies from the published version in a number of other respects. Firstly the Proof Copy does not have the line or lines of text in a facsimile of Crowley’s handwriting that preface the start of each chapter (or ‘Stanza’) though it does have a blank space for them to be inserted. The ‘Prelude’ and the twenty-two Stanzas in the Proof Copy each have a three or four line typeset synopsis of the chapter content under the chapter title. In the published version only the ‘Prelude’ has this synopsis, it has been omitted from all the Stanzas. The synopses are of some interest as they presumably give an indication of what Crowley felt to be the important aspects of each chapter. The published version has several additional footnotes that do not appear in the Proof, and pages 123 -130 and 163-164 have been reset, (the former to allow for inclusion of line drawings), and the gatherings have a different signature letter, plus one or two other minor differences. We do not know of any other Proof copies of Vol. I or II of The Confessions to have survived. An important and probably unique piece of Thelemic history. (27813) $1,850.00
c) Aleister Crowley Goes to War.
There is no doubt that Crowley genuinely detested Mussolini – whom he for some time held to be personally responsible for his own expulsion from Cefalu – and Hitler, whose Nazi regime had imprisoned Karl Germer. Perhaps also mindful of the accusations about his apparent lack of loyalty during the First World War, Crowley responded to the outbreak of the Second World War with a slew of stridently patriotic verse, much of which he self-published in booklet form. The collection below includes examples of all these booklets (although not every variant) as well as the manuscripts of two extraordinary unpublished poems written shortly after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Aleister Crowley, Original manuscript of a previously-unpublished war-time poem “Remember Pearl Harbour!” signed by Aleister Crowley. [London]: NP, ND [Circa 1942]. ND. Four leaves of holograph manuscript of an unpublished WWII poem signed “Aleister Crowley” [with his ‘phallic A’ signature] on the second leaf. Written in ink on 4 leaves (each approx 8 1/4 x 5 1/4 inches) of Ryman’s Jacobean Handmade paper. The rectos of the first two leaves have the poem, the third and fourth leaves comprise notes outlining the rime and rhythm schemes. A note in Crowley’s hand at the top of the third leaf is addressed to the Censor, and explains: “Please do not think this is a code. Reference to Mr. Joseph Auslander English Poetry Librarian of Congress Washington D.C. will make evident the bona-fides.” A short pencil note on the verso of the fourth leaf is obviously addressed to a copyist, and asks for ‘2 carbons, all copies on airmail paper. Urgent.’ Also included is a typed copy of the poem (only), on two sheets of thin 8 x 10 inch typing paper secured together with a staple, with the title in ink in Crowley’s handwriting at the head of the first page, and again but in blue pencil on the verso of the second sheet.
Wartime propaganda in the United States (and many other countries) was often crude and racist, and in this extraordinary unpublished piece Crowley demonstrates that he too was not shy about appealing to the lowest common denominator. The poem is believed to have been sent to Agape Lodge member Ray Leffingwell, a musician, perhaps with the idea that he would set it to music. The chorus of the poem reads:
Their one weapon, smiling treachery;
Imitation, all their span;
Their sole pleasure, torture-lechery,
Yellow mockeries of man,
Gibbering monkeys of Japan: –
Come, exterminate the vermin!
The poet and novelist Joseph Auslander (1897 – 1965) mentioned by Crowley held the position of ‘Consultant in Poetry’ to the Library of Congress between 1937 and 1941. Of course the Japanese raid on Pearl Harbour took place on Dec. 7th, 1941, so presumably Crowley wrote the poem and sent it to to his US followers shortly after the attack, that is at the end of 1941 or very beginning of 1942.
Pages a trifle dusty, rustmarks from an old paperclip in top left hand corner of the manuscript leaves, otherwise VG plus. (27810) $2,750.00
Aleister Crowley. Original manuscript of a previously-unpublished war-time poem “Axe the Axis!” signed by Aleister Crowley. [London]: NP, ND [Circa 1942]. ND. A single leaf holograph manuscript of an unpublished WWII poem signed ‘Aleister Crowley’ [with his ‘phallic A’ signature] on the reverse. Written in ink on both sides of a single leaf (approx 8 x 5 inches) of cheap blue note paper. Also included is a contemporary typed copy of the poem, probably a carbon-copy, on a single sheet of thin 8 x 10 inch typing paper.
Another example of patriotic fervor at its worst. The chorus of the poem just about says it all:
Stop the Wop!
Rap the Jap!
Gun the Hun!
There is a quarter inch strip missing from one side of the leaf (presumably Crowley tore it rather crudely from a notebook) and one short tear in the bottom margin. Otherwise VG. (27811) $1,750.00
Aleister Crowley. Thumbs Up: A Pentagram – a Pantacle to Win the War. Rainbow Valley, California, & London: The O.T.O., 1941. First edition, Signed. Softcover. Wrappers, xii pp. Small quarto. Portrait frontis of Crowley (printed in red) tipped to inside of front wrapper. Edition limited to 100 numbered copies (this number 58) SIGNED by Crowley (this copy also with an initialled note by him). Twelve line errata slip tipped to title page (in part the errata rails against a ‘fourth National Day of Prayer’ for Victory, which Crowley evidently feels will be counterproductive due to its appeal to the ‘dead cult’). The errata sheet is inscribed in Crowley’s hand “I was not strong enough to save the game single-handed. Russia began to collapse shortly after that Day of Prayer. 666.”
Limitation page states “Published by the O.T.O. [dove and pyramid seal] At the Abbey of Thelema, Rainbow Valley, Palomar Mountains, California, U.S.A. [etc.].” Beautifully printed on laid paper, by the Chiswick Press, Crowley’s favourite printers. A hint of discolouration to the wrappers, otherwise near-fine. An extraordinary work – effectively Aleister Crowley’s published curse on Adolf Hitler. The work comprises five poems by Crowley and three pages of prose. It collates as follows: p. 1, Title page, p. 2. Limitation page, p. 3 “The Pentagram,” pp. 4 – 5 “England, Stand Fast!”, p. 6 “Toast (Battle of the River Plate)”, pp. 7 – 8 “Hymn for the American People”, p. 9 “Anthem” p. 10 “Note to Anthem” , p. 11 “Contents”, p. 12 “To Adolf Schicklgruber.” In the full page “Note to Anthem” Crowley recounts the details of the first four times of publication of Liber Legis, and the consequent turmoil in world events which he suggests flowed from it (the Balkans War, First World War etc.) Below this he refers to three “Days of National Prayer” held in Britain and their total failure to achieve anything positive, this being because they were appeals to “the dead religion of the old Aeon of Osiris.” The last page is addressed “To Adolf Schicklgruber [Adolf Hitler] and/or whosoever it may concern: remember ….. ” This is followed by a list of eight names of people who Crowley felt to be his enemies, such as De Wend Fenton, Horatio Bottomley, Rigby Swift J., Norman Mudd etc. and who he implied had therefore suffered accordingly. A small cross appears next to the names of six who were already dead. Beneath this are the words, “Et illium generis defutati omnis turbam” ….. (loosely translates as “and the whole bunch of them can get stuffed!”) Beneath this is a section, with blanks that could be filled in, in which Crowley could add the name or names of others to be added to “the hit list.” Effectively Crowley’s published curse on Hitler and his other foes. It is tempting to think that despite the seriousness of his dislike for the individuals named Crowley was being somewhat tongue in cheek with this pronouncement, but it would seem he was actually in deadly earnest. A little superficial wear, still a near-fine copy. (27707) $1,800.00
Aleister Crowley. Thumbs Up! Five Poems by Aleister Crowley. P.O. Box 2411, Hollywood, California, : [NP], 1942 . First edition. Softcover booklet, stapled. Octavo (8 1/2 ” x 6 1/4″) 8 pp. Grey paper wrappers, secured by staples and cord ties. With Thumbs Up! and Crowley’s phallic “mark of the Beast” sigil printed in black on upper wrapper. The ‘Hollywood” printing of the first US edition of Crowley’s “Thumbs Up” (there was also a near identical Los Angeles edition). It was produced in the year following the release of the British editions, and like the ‘popular’ British edition, the booklet comprises 5 patriotic poems over 8 pages: p. 1 (title) Thumbs Up! / “mark of the Beast” sigil around which “In hoc signo Vinces” / Five Poems by Aleister Crowley / Copyright 1942 by Aleister Crowley / P.O. Box 2411, Hollywood, Cal. / Printed in U.S.A. All Rights Reserved, p. 2 “The Pentagram” (poem), pp. 3-4 “England, Stand Fast!” (poem), p. 5 “Toast (Battle of the River Plate)” (poem), pp. 6-7 “Hymn for the American People” (poem), & p. 8 “Anthem” (poem). Interestingly, whereas the British edition carried a line on the title page reading ‘Five Poems by the Author of “The V Sign” this editions merely reads “Five Poems by Aleister Crowley.” The words, ‘by the Author of “The V Sign” ‘alluded to Crowley’s claim that he was the inventor of the ‘V for Victory’ finger-sign made famous by Sir Winston Churchill. Documents in the Yorke collection suggest that the British authorities took a very dim few of Crowley’s claim to the authorship of what had become an icon of the struggle against Nazism, and threatened him with the most dire consequences if he persisted with his claims. It was presumably for this reason the claim was dropped from this leaflet, and the words instead replaced with Crowley’s name. A publisher’s ‘Note’ tipped onto the inside back wrapper (to face p. 8) states “This American reprint of Aleister Crowley’s “Thumbs Up!” was made possible by the generosity and enthusiasm of a few of his many friends on this side of the Atlantic, as a contribution to the V for Victory campaign. To follow the example of the English edition, a limited number of copies have been made available “For free distribution among the Soldiers and Worker of the Forces of Freedom” Contributions toward the printing of a much larger edition may be sent to V. P.O. Box 2411 Hollywood, Calif. Additional copies and further information may be obtained upon request. ” A Fine copy. (27705) $295.00
Aleister Crowley. Thumbs Up! Five Poems by Aleister Crowley. Hollywood, California, : [NP], 1942 . (First Edition thus). Booklet, stapled. Issued without wrappers. First page serves as titlepage, printed in black with Thumbs Up! and Crowley’s phallic “mark of the Beast” sigil, beneath which publication details. 8 pp. Octavo (8 1/2 ” x 6 1/4″). Printed “Note” tipped onto p. 7. This “unwrappered” issue was presumably intended for free distribution. A publisher’s ‘Note’ tipped onto p. 7 refers to this stating “This American reprint of Aleister Crowley’s “Thumbs Up!” was made possible by the generosity and enthusiasm of a few of his many friends on this side of the Atlantic, as a contribution to the V for Victory campaign. To follow the example of the English edition, a limited number of copies have been made available “For free distribution among the Soldiers and Worker of the Forces of Freedom” Contributions toward the printing of a much larger edition may be sent to V. P.O. Box 2411 Hollywood, Calif. Additional copies and further information may be obtained upon request. ” The staples have been rather crudely removed from this copy, otherwise fine. (27706) $225.00
Aleister Crowley. England, Stand Fast. London, England: Privately Issued by the O.T.O. , 1939. First edition. Broadsheet. A single sheet folded once to make four 5 x 8 inch printed pages. The first page has the title and publication details, the second reproduces Crowley’s signature and a sigil, and the third and fourth have the text of the eponymous patriotic poem by Crowley. Near fine condition. (25676) $85.00
Aleister Crowley. La Gauloise (Song of the Fighting French). London, England: Privately Printed , 1942. Second printing. Broadsheet. A single sheet folded once to make four 4.5 x 6 inch printed pages. The first is the title page, and the following three pages contain the text of a patriotic poem composed by the Beast. This pamphlet originally appeared under the La Gauloise (Song of the Free French) but for some reason – perhaps because he was officially ‘warned off’ from using the name of the French Government in Exile – he replaced the word ‘Free’ with ‘Fighting’ in the second printing. Just a hint of discoloration, otherwise Fine. (25679) $75.00
d) Little Heresies – In the Form of Two Parodies.
Two parodies by J. Edward Cornelius, biographer of Grady McMurtry, co-publisher of Red Flame, author of Aleister Crowley and the Ouija Board, etc.
[J. Edward Cornelius,] Liber Worth Fifteen Cents. The REAL Gnostic Catholic Masse of the American O.T.O. CA: Berkeley, The Corneliuses, 1996. First Edition. Softcover. 8 ½ x 11inches, [16pp] Quarto sheets reproduced from computer generated typesecript, bound in office-report style plastic covers with (original) tape spine. This edition limited to 56 copies, signed and numbered by the author.
A wicked parody of the Gnostic Catholic Mass, and its performance. Like all good parodies it works because of the author’s familiarity with the subject, and because it has at least some factual basis. Thus a reference to Oreo cookies being used in place of the wafers relates to a real occurrence, when, realizing that people were arriving for a Mass, but that no wafers had been prepared, Grady McMurtry raced into his kitchen, opened a packet of Oreos. blessed them, and used them in the service. Apparently not all within the O.T.O saw the humor of this paradoy, with some regarding it as a distasteful ‘airing of dirty laundry,’ and its release created a certain amount of controversy. This is the first publication of The REAL Gnostic Catholic Masse, published as a companion to the reissue of The Milkman Letters in January 1996. A change of residence meant that a small number of copies of this edition were set aside and never distributed, but the parody proved so popular that it was re-released later that year as a Pangenetor Lodge Publication, ‘Parody No. 4.’ The few remaining copies of the First, signed edition have now been unearthed and are here offered for sale. Included with each is a special 4pp. ‘key’ to the publication: ‘Notes used to write the parody’ in which Cornelius comments on and identifies the realities behind the jokes. This also signed by Cornelius. A fine copy. (27807) $50-
[J. Edward Cornelius,] The Milkman Letters. A Correspondence between Aleister Crowley & Michael Phillip Rae 1945-1946. CA: Berkeley, The Corneliuses, 1996. Softcover. 8 ½ x 11inches, [12pp] Quarto sheets reproduced from computer generated typesecript, bound in office-report style plastic covers with (original) tape spine. This edition limited to 56 copies, signed and numbered by the author.
Collects together a spurious correspondence – supposedly between Crowley and his milkman. Will resonate with anyone who has spent time wading through some of the Beast’s less-enlightened letters: those with endless requests for money, etc. etc. This parody first appeared in a small-run Lodge publicaton, Thelma’s Lost Colander (February, 1994) and was reissued as a Pangenetor Lodge Publication, ‘Parody No.1’, in November of that year. It’s fame (notoriety) spread, and two years later in response to popular demand, Cornelius (Frater Achad Osher 583), prepared this new edition and offered it to local Lodge members. However, a change in circumstances meant that a small number of copies were never distributed, and these have now been unearthed and are here offered for sale. Hint of glue residue on spine, otherwise Fine Condition. (27808) $40-
e) Two Exceptional Autograph Letters From Crowley with Original Wax-Sealed Envelopes.
These two letters were written to Anne Macky, Soror Fiat-Yod, of the O.T.O. For a time Macky engaged in a lengthy correspondence with Crowley on magical matters, and it was his letters to her that formed the basis of the posthumously published book Magick Without Tears.
Aleister Crowley. A handwritten Letter, Signed, from Aleister Crowley to Soror Fiat Yod [Anne Macky], London, November 19, 1943. With original accompanying envelope. London: 1943. Approx. 205 words, written on both sides of a sheet of thick, good quality cream letterhead (6″ x 8″) headed with Crowley’s ‘Mark of the Beast’ sigil printed in red. To the left of the sigil Crowley has written his address of the time: 93 Jermyn Street S.W.1, and to its right the date, Nov. 19 ’43 e.v. The letter begins and ends with the full Thelemic greetings. A little over half of it is a charmingly written letter of condolence – apparently in sympathy for the loss of a friend. Crowley explores the idea of such events in magical and philosophical terms, making four main points, one of which is that ‘Every experience is a necessary step, and in accord with one’s True Will, for it is oneself, and not another, that originally determined the conditions of this life.’ Crowley then begs forgiveness to change the topic to ‘our own affairs’ and tells that ‘the bulk of the book [presumably the Book of Thoth] is now being printed off, and this releases the metal and labour required to print the small book Olla.’ He goes on to tell of the necessity to place a firm order for the work shortly, and appeals to her – or any friend of hers – to ‘take up all or part of the loan necessary.’ The letter ends with ‘Yours Fraternally’ and is signed by Crowley simply ‘666.’
The accompanying envelope is addressed to ‘Mrs. Macky’ in Crowley’s hand, and is postmarked Nov. 15, 1943 from London. The reverse of the envelope has a blob of dark grey-green sealing-wax, about an inch in diameter, which has the cartouche of Ankh-f-n-khonsu from Crowley’s seal ring impressed into it. The letter is in Very Good condition, with just a single crease from being folded into an envelope. Unusually the seal on the reverse of the envelope is 98% intact – there is one small chip missing from its outer edge (not touching the cartouche) and there are a couple of minute cracks. The envelope itself had been neatly slit across the bottom to open it, and is overall in Very Good condition. (25487) $1,350.00
Aleister Crowley. A handwritten Letter, signed, from Aleister Crowley to Anne Macky , London, Jan. 24, 1944. With original accompanying envelope. Addressed to ‘Cara Soror’ written on both sides of a sheet of thick, good quality cream letterhead (6″ x 8″) headed with Crowley’s ‘Mark of the Beast’ sigil printed in red. Approx. 100 words. To the left of the sigil Crowley has written his address of the time: 93 Jermyn Street S.W.1, and to its right the date, Jan. ’24. The letter begins and ends with the full Thelemic greetings. Crowley speaks of the return of rheumatic pains, in his should and arm, and ague, which cause enough discomfort to ‘hinder creative writing.’ He then goes on to refer to some writings which he has sent separately. At the time Crowley and Mrs. Macky were engaged in what was effectively a correspondence course in the fundamentals of Magick, comprising a series of essays – in the form of letters – which would later become the basis of the posthumously published book Magick Without Tears. Here Crowley refers to these essay/letters (which would later become chapters) using Roman numerals, noting that ‘XVI is very important, cuts to reality direct’ whilst ‘XVII will I hope satisfy a difficulty that must often have bothered you. As far as I know, nobody has dealt with it seriously; such accounts as we have are all too plainly wish-phantasms – when they are not plain fakes.’ After a couple of short sentences of chat, the letter ends with ‘Fraternally’ and is signed by Crowley simply ‘666.’ The accompanying envelope is addressed to Mrs. Macky in Crowley’s hand, and is postmarked 1 Feb, 1943 from London. The reverse of the envelope has a blob of dark grey-green sealing-wax, about an inch in diameter, which has the cartouche of Ankh-f-n-khonsu from Crowley’s seal ring impressed into it.
The letter is in Very Good condition, with just a single crease from being folded into an envelope. The seal on the reverse of the envelope is virtually pristine, clear, and without the cracking or chipping that might be expected. The envelope itself had been neatly slit across the top to open it, and is overall in Very Good condition. (25488) $1,350.00
f) Publications by or relating to Marcelo Ramos Motta (1931-1987) and the Societas Ordo Templi Orientis. Mostly from the collection of one of his former students.
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta] Preface by James Wasserman. The Commentaries of AL. Being the Equinox Volume V, No. 1. New York, NY: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1975. First edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, [xxii] + 288 pp [+ 22 pp of plates + 26 pp Index]. Red cloth, gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover, color plates. An important collection of Crowley’s commentaries on Liber AL, collected and edited by Marcelo Motta. Fine in near Fine dustjacket – just a hint of discolouration and one tiny nick in the top edge of the back panel. (15355) $150.00
Aleister Crowley, and Marcelo Ramos Motta. O Equinocio Dos Deuses. sendo Livro Quatro Parte IV [The Equinox Of The Gods being Book Four Part IV] (sendo O Equinoxio No Brasil Vol. I, No. 1). Rio de Janeiro: Marcelo Ramos Motta, 1976. First Edition Thus. Softcover. 8vo. xvi + 158 [+ lxvi – manuscript facsimile] + [ii]. Color plate. A Portuguese translation of Crowley’s The Equinox Of The Gods with additional materials by Motta. Includes an editorial by Motta accepting Grady McMurtry and Helen Parsons Smith as OTO leaders, a position he would abandon after they took control of the Germer estate. A hint of creasing to the wrappers. Otherwise Fine. (26049) $200.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta]. Yoga and Magick. Being Book Four Commented Part 1 Being The Oriflamme Volume VI No. 1. Privately Printed: Society Ordo Templi Orientis International, 1982. First edition thus. Paperback, large 8vo, viii + 78 pp. The text of Crowley’s Book Four Part I, with comments by Motta interspersed. There are also a few pages of Book Reviews and an ‘O.T.O. News’ section by Motta at the rear. Tight, clean, uncreased VG+ copy. (15356) $95.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta]. The Equinox Volume V No. 4. Sex and Religion. The Official Organ of the A.A. The Review of Scientific Illuminism. Nashville, TX: Thelema Publishing Company, 1981. First edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, xx + 696 pp. Elaborated gold decorated boards, gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover. An important collection of Crowley’s worked gathered together around the theme of sexuality. They include the poem Leah Sublime, his Diaries for 1906-07, The Paris Workings, The Bagh-i-Muattar, etc. as well as Ida Craddock’s Heavenly Bridegrooms and writings and commentaries by Marcelo Motta. Fine in near Fine dustjacket – just a hint of discolouration. (15365) $325.00
Aleister Crowley Edited etc. by Marcelo Motta. Preface by James Wasserman. The Commentaries of AL Being the Equinox Volume V, No. 1. New York, NY: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1975. First edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, (xx) + 288 pp (+ 22 pp oplates & 26 pp Index), Original textured red fabricoid with gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover, color plates. Extremely Unusual Suppressed Advance Issue Binding. Motta took a great dislike to this binding, and protested vigorously to the publisher, who had virtually the entire edition rebound in accordance with his wishes. Very few copies survived thus. Edges dusty, otherwise VG+ (lacks dustjacket) (26077) $200.00
Aleister Crowley. [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta]. The Book of the Law. Liber AL vel Legis Sub Figura CCXX. Nashville, TN: Troll Publishing , 1980. Hardcover. 12mo, xviii + 46 pp. Silver and blue patterned boards, silver title etc. to front board and spine Printed in blue. The S.O.T.O. edition of the Book of the Law. Particularly hard to find in dustjacket. The book itself has three small discrete Lodge stamps on the front pastedown, title page, and last blank. Interestingly the now-defunct Lodge in question was established under the Caliphate of Grady McMurtry, showing a certain catholicity of taste on their part when it came to book acquisitions! A hint of shelf-wear, otherwise a near-fine copy in VG+ dustjacket (has one thumbnail sized lightly discolored patch at bottom of front panel, and a match-head sized light spot on the spine, one tiny tear) (27803) $300.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta]. Magick and Mysticism. Being Book Four Commented Part II [&] The Oriflamme Volume VI No. 2. Privately Printed: Society Ordo Templi Orientis International, 1982. First edition thus. Softcover, large 8vo, viii + 172pp (+ iipp. adverts). The text of Crowley’s Book Four Part II, with comments by Motta interspersed. There are also a number of pages of Book Reviews by Motta and others, an article by Motta entitled ‘How to be toothless but toothsome’ and an ‘O.T.O. News’ section at the rear. Tight, clean, uncreased VG+ copy. (15837) $95.00
Aleister Crowley. Edited etc. by Marcelo Motta. Preface by James Wasserman. The Commentaries of AL Being the Equinox Volume V, No. 1. New York, NY: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1975. First edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, (xx) + 288 pp (+ 22 pp oplates & 26 pp Index), Original red cloth, gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover, color plates. Helen Parson Smith’s copy with her magical name ‘Grimaud’ signed with the date of acquisition (‘February 1976’) on the front endpaper. With her occasional marginalia – mostly in pencil. Edges a little dusty, still VG+ in VG+ dustjacket (a couple of closed tears and just a hint of discoloration) (26076) $225.00
‘M’ [Marcelo Ramos Motta]. Chamando Os Filhos Do Sol [Calling the Children of the Sun] Da Parte Da Ordem Do Rubi E Ouro. Rio de Janeiro: Marcelo Motta, 1962. First Edition. Softcover. 8vo. vi + 118pp. Original Wrappers. Text in Portuguese. Extremely scarce first book by Motta, published under the pseudonym of “M.”, with his Portuguese translation of Crowley’s One Star in Sight, Liber E, etc. as well as his own autobiographical writings, thoughts on Thelema etc. including his first published claims to represent the OTO and the Order of Thelema. Printed in an edition of 2000 copies, Motta withdrew from circulation and destroyed at least 1600 copies in the year after publication, fearing that his outspoken comments would make him a target of Leftist attack in the political turbulence of the times. A couple of short tears in the wrappers at the head and tail of spine, otherwise VG+ (26079) $425.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta. O.T.O. Society Ordo Templi Orientis. Preliminary Thoughts. Nashville, TN: S.O.T.O., 1981. First Edition. Pamphlet. A single sheet folded to give four 7 1/4 x 9 1/4 ‘pages.’ Printed in red on yellowish paper. Thoughts and instructions on the foundation, financing, and structure of O.T.O. Lodges. Slight crease in one top corner, otherwise fine. (26080) $25.00 Marcelo Ramos Motta. Society Ordo Templi Orientis. Membership Application. Nashville, TN: S.O.T.O., circa 1980. Broadsheet. A single 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheet printed in red on yellowish paper. A blank membership form for those seeking entry into the First degree of the S.O.T.O. One of the conditions for candidacy is that the aspirant must supply two photographs “preferably body-length and unclothed, but just the face will do …” Slight crease in one top corner, otherwise fine. (26081) $25.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta. Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America. Manifesto. NP [Nashville, TN?]: Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America. 1978. Second Printing. Softcover. 8v. Stapled booklet. 8pp. Original orange wrappers, printed in black. Two pages of preliminaries, and six pages of text, the last of which reproduces Crowley’s Liber Oz. A fine copy. (26082) $30.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta. Two Pieces of Ephemera from the Society Ordo Templi Orientis. NP [Nashville, TN?]: Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America., [circa 1980]. Printed ephemera. Two Pieces. One is a single sheet of glossy card, folded, to give four 3 3/4 x 5 1/2 inch ‘pages’, with Society Ordo Templi Orientis and the O.T.O. lamen printed in color on the front page, with the text of Liber Oz and other material printed in blue on the remaining three. The second is a single large sheet of cream paper, folded concertina style, to give ten 3 1/4 x 8 1/4 inch ‘pages.’ Printed in green within a gold decorative border, the first page simply has a large O.T.O. lamen, the words The O.T.O. and text. Clearly an introductory leaflet to the Society Ordo Templi Orientis. Dated 1981 in the colophon. Both in Fine condition. (26085) $30.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta. Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America. Of the Political Aims of the O.T.O. NP [Nashville, TN?]: Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America., 1978. Second Printing. Softcover. 8v. Stapled booklet. 30pp. Original orange wrappers, printed in black. Two pages of preliminaries, and twenty eight pages of text, the last of which reproduces Crowley’s Liber Oz. A fine copy. (26083) $35.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta, Society Ordo Templi Orientis. Letter to a Brazilian Mason. NP [Nashville, TN?]: Society Ordo Templi Orientis in America. [circa 1980]. Softcover. 8v. Stapled booklet. 52pp. Original orange wrappers, printed in black. Two pages of preliminaries, and fifty pages of text, the last of which is blank, whilst the penultimate page reproduces Crowley’s Liber Oz. Motta’s thoughts on Freemasonry and Christianity, with particular focus on Roman Catholicism. Top of title page has been excised, one gathering sprung, otherwise VG. (26084) $20.00
Aleister Crowley, Edited by Marcelo Ramos Motta. The Equinox. Vol. V, No. 2. The Official Organ of the A. A. The Review of Scientific Illuminism. Nashville, TN: Thelema Publishing Company, 1979. Deluxe Edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, [viii] + 404 pp [+ 4pp adverts], Edition Deluxe – Limited to 200 specially bound copies, signed and numbered by Marcelo Motta. Special gold-colored binding, all edges gilt. This copy number 15. SIGNED twice by Motta – once as ‘666’ and once with his normal signature. A Fine copy in Fine dustjacket. (26087) $500.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo Ramos Motta]. Magick Without Tears Unexpurgated. Commented. Part 1 Being The Oriflamme Volume VI Number 3. Privately Printed: Society Ordo Templi Orientis International, 1983. First edition thus. Softcover, large 8vo, xxiv + 620 pp (+ 4 pp adverts). Very light bump to the upper right corner has caused a little curling to the extreme point of the first dozen or so leaves, minimal shelf-wear, obviously unread and a near-fine copy. (15358) $195.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo Motta]. Magick Without Tears Unexpurgated. Commented. Part II Being The Oriflamme Volume VI Number 4. Privately Printed: Society Ordo Templi Orientis International, 1984. First edition thus. Softcover, large 8vo, xiv + 572 pp + ivpp of adverts. A very light bump to the lower right corner has caused a little curling to the extreme point of the last dozen or so leaves, minimal shelf-wear, obviously unread and a near-fine copy. (16241) $195.00
Marcelo Ramos Motta, Translated by Monica Rocha, Edited by Gregory von Seewald. Calling the Children of the Sun. NP: Privately Printed, 1999. Second Edition / First English Language Edition. Softcover. 8 vo, 204 pp, Original printed wrappers. Signed by the translator. Text in both Portuguese and English, includes Motta’s personal writings along with some of Crowley’s more important works such as Liber II, the OTO Manifesto, Liber E and Liber Oz. in Portuguese. The first (Portuguese Language) edition of the book was published in Rio De Janeiro in 1962, but was later suppressed by Motta himself for fear of political repercussions. This new edition contains additional introductory material etc. New book, fine condition. (16444) $30.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo R. Motta]. Thelemic Magick Unexpurgated. Commented. Part 1 Being The Oriflamme Volume VI, Number 5. Rio de Janeiro, Brasil: Society Ordo Templi Orientis in Brasil, 1987. First edition thus. Softcover, large 8vo, xliv+ 420 pp, Color Plate. Contains part of the the text of Crowley’s Magick in Theory and Practice, with Crowley’s commentary, plus Motta’s controversial History of the O.T.O. Since Crowley’s Death (III) and O.T.O. News, in which he makes scathing comments about virtually everyone associated with Thelema since Crowley’s death. At issue at the time was Motta’s groups claim to use the name O.T.O and its seals and marks. This volume seems to have been self-censored in accord with that – there is are faint marks – where a covering label had presumably been placed, over the words O.T.O. and the O.T.O lamen in the preliminaries, and the letters O.T.O. in the title O.T.O. news have been covered by a printed slip with the word ‘Censored’! Spine a little creased, with small closed tear at the foot. Otherwise a VG copy of an unusual and highly controversial book. (15357) $250.00
Aleister Crowley [Edited etc. by Marcelo Ramos Motta]. The Equinox. Vol. V, No. 2. The Official Organ of the A. A. The Review of Scientific Illuminism. Nashville, TN: Thelema Publishing Company, 1979. First edition. Hardcover, large 8vo, vi + 404 pp + 4 pp of adverts. Red cloth, gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover. Includes Liver LXV Commented by Aleister Crowley and various writings by Marcelo Motta. A Fine copy in Fine dustjacket. (16577) $250.00
g) A Miscellany of Works by And About Aleister Crowley.
Aleister Crowley. Olla An Anthology of Sixty Years of Song. London: The OTO, 1946. First Edition. Hardcover. Quarto. 128 pp., Original brown cloth with gilt lettering down spine and on upper board, which also has a gilt-stamped device – Crowley’s ‘mark of the Beast’ sigil. Frontis. portrait of Crowley by Augustus John. Dustjacket design includes a portrait of Crowley by Lady Frieda Harris, designer of the Thoth tarot deck. Crowley’s own selection of his best poetry, and the last of his books to be published in his own lifetime. Famously a binder’s error saw the ‘mark of the Beast’ sigil on the front board stamped upside down. Due to war-time economy standards, paper rationing etc., the book did did not have the production values or durability of some of Crowley’s earlier works. A near fine, bright, fresh, clean copy. The scarce dustjacket is somewhat rubbed, and has a few tears to the margins and is missing a fingernail-sized chip from the bottom of the spine. The bottom and top edges of the jacket have been reinforced with a strip of transparent tape which runs along the margin edge of about a third of each panel and across the spine. The inside of the jacket has also been reinforced with tape. That said it is otherwise 99% intact, and in much cleaner, better shape than it is usually ever seen. (27721) $475.00
Aleister Crowley; H.P. Blavatsky; J.F.C. Fuller and Charles Stansfeld Jones. Commentaries on the Holy Books and Other Papers [being] The Equinox Volume Four, Number One. York Beach, Maine: Samuel Weiser, Inc., 1996. First edition thus.. Hardcover, large 8vo, x + 382 pp., black cloth with gilt title and embellishments, color illustrations, fold-out chart. New / unused copy. Therefore Fine in Fine dustjacket. (23723) $35.00
Aleister Crowley. The Creed of the Thelemites from the Gnostic Catholic Mass. Barstow, Calif. : NP (Privately Printed) , ND [1942?]. First Edition Thus. A single grey card sheet folded to make four ‘pages.’ Title on verso of p. 1, p. 2 blank, p. 3. text, p. 4 blank. An excerpt from the ‘Gnostic Catholic Mass’ published by Crowley’s followers in Agape Lodge during World War 2. Fine. (25716) $75.00
Aleister Crowley, With Victor B. Neuburg & Mary Desti. The Vision and the Voice. With Commentary and Other Papers. The Collected Diaries of Aleister Crowley. Volume II. 1909 – 1914. E.V. The Equinox Vol. IV, Number II. York Beach, ME: Samuel Weiser Inc., 1998. First edition thus. Hardcover large 8vo, xiv + 454 pp, Black cloth, gilt title, etc. to spine, gilt emblem on front cover, illustrations. In addition to the details of ‘Vision and the Voice’ working this volume includes details of a number of Crowley’s other magical operations The Paris Working (with Victor Neuburg), The Ab-ul-Diz Working, and the Bartzabel Working and various of his diary entries for the years 1909-1914. ‘Old new stock’ – Fine in Fine dustjacket. (25759) $30.00
Aleister Crowley [Writing as :Mahatma Guru Sri Paramahansa Shivaji]. Eight Lectures on Yoga The Equinox Volume III., Number Four. London : The O.T.O. , 1939. (First Edition). Hardcover, Large Quarto (11 ¾ x 9″) Original cloth (buckram) with title and sigil gil