Book 4 [Paperback]

Aleister Crowley (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1980

A discussion of the fundamentals and essentials of both magick and mysticism. Illustrated. Glossary.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aleister Crowley (1875-1947), who claimed to be the re-incarnation of Dr. John Dee among others, lived in England from 1875 through 1947. He is the author of several Weiser Books titles, including Book of Thoth, Diary of a Drug Fiend, Magick, Book of Lies, Book of the Law and 777 & Other Qabalistic Writings.

Product Details

• Paperback: 136 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (September 1, 1980)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877285136
• ISBN-13: 978-0877285137
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.3 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #278,160 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best for Intro to Crowley's Work, August 28, 2006

By 

Denise (Jade) Greene (Bisbee, AZ) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Book 4 (Paperback)

When I first decided to read Crowley, I started with "Eight Lessons in Yoga" which left me a bit bewildered as to terminology. But when I found Book 4, it explained everything, and I truly began to understand some of Crowley's thinking. This book is what gave me a deep appreciation for his work, his philosophy, his magick, everything. I tend to take notes as I read, and I ended up with 23 pages of notes on the chapter on the wand alone. For the aspiring mage, this book is inspiring and motivating! P.S. When talking to Thelemites, do not confuse this book with Liber Aba, which is also referred to as Book 4. This one is the "little Book 4" which is a chapter in Liber Aba.

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Magickal Instruction: Yoga / Witchcraft style, December 10, 2001

By 

Frater V "The Truth is Absolutely Not Absolut... (Louisville, KY) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: Book 4 (Paperback)

Do yourself a favor and read-up on Yoga, Witchcraft, and Occultism...then, read this book of Excellent Magickal Instruction. I understood it because I have been delving into Hinduism and I have studied Paganism/Witchcraft. Crowley writes, as usual, for the Experienced, not the Beginner.

This is a small book, yet it has more information than most thick tomes of "occult" knowledge. There is nothing "fluffy" about "Book 4." Crowley supplies us with a concise record of the Basics of Magick, without embellishing or beating around the bush....of course, this is *his* version of Magickal Practice--with a strong resemblance to Witchcraft--yet, this work is not representative of Witchcraft, itself.

For the serious student, this work is very informative--combining Yoga Techniques with other Magickal Practices.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Chock full of initiated practical info..., August 12, 2005

By 

Michael L. Jones (Kettering, Oh USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Book 4 (Paperback)

Every thought penned in this book is absolutley clear, concise, reasonable and accurate. With the whole of the book translating so much information in such a few pages. The man is a wonderful thinker and an amazing writer. He explains the theoretical (but to me purely practical) answer to the mystery of the most profound Prophets ever on earth, besides Crowley himself of course. The technique in which they attained genius (enlightenment) by meditation and what exactly consists of such a quest.... If you would like the practice of stilling the mind explained to your mind in the best of what could be easily argued of all the attempts in literary form then this is the book you want..
Part II is a fabulous treatise on the tools of the practice of the "true" "Magick of the Magi"... Ceremonial Magick is the means by which you attempt to contact, control, and understand the different facets (spirits) of your mind to assist you in the mystical enlightenment journey. Mind being roughly speaking thought, emotion, and the subconcsious. It includes detailed information on the tools needed for Magickal practice and exactly what they are connected with practically and theoretically; To convey his many keen and intense ideas Crowley can and will use or compare Qabalah, Hindu philosophy, Buddhist philosophy, Christian theology, english literature, psychology, mythology, analogy, metaphor, science, wit, his sense of humor, even nursery rhymes in an interlude and who knows what else!!!!
This book is of immense help to someone trying to learn about the occult science.