Magick: Liber ABA (Book 4) [Hardcover]

Aleister Crowley (Author), Mary Desti (Author), Leila Waddell (Author), Hymenaeus Beta (Editor)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 1, 1998

Aleister Crowley devoted twenty-five years to writing and producing the four parts of this book. It is his magnum opus, in which he systematically expounds the mystical and magical theories and techniques taught in his magical orders, the AA and the O.T.O. This profusely illustrated new edition brings together the complete texts of all four parts of Liber ABA (Book 4) in one volume under the overall title Magick. This edition incorporates Crowley`s own additions, corrections, and annotations, and restores dozens of passages omitted from the first editions. Magick is the fundamental textbook of modern magick in the New on. It also has invaluable teachings for students of Yoga and meditation. Crowley mastered the practices of Yoga during his studies in the East, and writes about them lucidly, without recourse to the imprecise language of mysticism. Beginning with a discussion of the universal origin of world religions in mystical revelation, Magick then explores the theory and practice of mysticism and magick in the light of modern scientific thought. Crowley`s own revelation, The Book of the Law, is then treated as a case study, with an autobiographical study of events leading to its reception. Extensively cross-referenced and annotated, this edition features over 100 diagrams and photographs, as well as a glossary, bibliography, and detailed index. This second revised one-volume edition features revisions based on new typescripts for a more accurate text than all earlier editions, and it includes a revised AA curriculum, a new syllabus of the O.T.O. papers, and an important, previously-unpublished AA paper. This is an 844 page hardcover book.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a magus, poet, sexual athlete, mountaineer, traitor, drug fiend, and Prophet of a New Eon. He has been dubbed "The Wickedest Man in the World." Author of 777, Diary of a Drug Fiend, and Book of Lies, as well as many other books, Crowley, with Freida Harris, also created the bestselling Thoth Tarot Deck.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 928 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books; 2 Rev Sub edition (January 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877289190
• ISBN-13: 978-0877289197
• Product Dimensions: 7 x 2.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (43 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #15,694 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #16 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Witchcraft
  • #17 in Books > Religion & Spirituality > Earth-Based Religions > Wicca

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

119 of 120 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars The ultimate Thelemic resource : Crowley's Dream Come True March 29, 2003

By Frater V VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover

The Big Blue Brick is Crowley's dream come true. This is the ultimate Thelemic resource guide, which contains an in-depth Introduction to the book and the full story of the creation of 'Thelema.' This compilation contains many of Crowley's most-important works and rituals, including; "Book Four" (ISBN # 0877285136)*, "Magick in Theory and Practice" (ISBN # 0486232956)*, and "The Equinox of the Gods" (ISBN # 1561840289)--events leading up to and including the creation of 'The Book of The Law.' This book also contains numerous important 'Appendices' and a million or so footnotes that were meticulously scrutinized for accuracy.

* note: be careful with 'Book Four' (in which Crowley depicts a ridiculous conception of The Scourge used in Witchcraft, legitimately) & 'Magick in Theory and Practice' (esp., due to the fact that in that time period, as now, 'morality' prevented people from talking/writing about sex, but it was/is perfectly ok to talk or write about more dangerous subjects). When reading Crowley, one must often read between the lines. Crowley had a weird sense of humor about revealing 'secrets' without revealing them--when in doubt, reread the section(s) and 'Magick Without Tears' (which shows Crowley's sense of humor and proves he was 'of sound mind' at the end of his life--a typical cranky ol' Grandpa kind guy).

'Magick' is NOT light reading! This is a scholarly work that took decades to compile, and a century to be brought-together in this format. Keep in mind, purchasing this book is the equivalent of purchasing many of Crowley's books in one volume (as he originally intended)--with the added benefit of preface material, illustrations, modern research, Footnotes (!), etc. It is well-worth the price, considering the fact that all of this material is compiled in a painstaking manner, including lost material and better renditions of previous editions.

However, for those who are just beginning to study Thelema, or have just begun the process of wading through Crowley's works (or just want to research Thelema in-general), I strongly suggest beginning with: "The Magick of Thelema: A Handbook of the Rituals of Aleister Crowley," by Lon Milo Duquette (ISBN # 0877287783).

For further research about "Thelema" and "The Book of The Law," I suggest: "The Law is For All," by Aleister Crowley (ISBN # 1561840904).

35 of 38 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A life time of magical knowledge by the master of the art December 3, 1999

By Jody

Format:Hardcover

Aleister Crowley is in fine form here dispensing esoteric philosophy and step by step instructions on some of the most important and powerful magickal practices and ceremonies. The writing is carefully worded so that even beginners can grasp the concepts and gain insight from this most valuable text book. The book embodies two of Crowley's most important and famous works "Liber legis"(THE BOOK OF THE LAW)and "magick in theory and practice." The writing on yoga is among the finest i've ever read on the subject anywhere and is absolutly revolutionary for it's time. Crowley encompasses such a vast body of information in this book that it never fails to teach the student something new each time it is referenced.Anyone interested in pursuing the great work will find this an invaluable edition to their library.The beast may have indeed been mortal but his words shall endure until the end.PERDURABO!

22 of 24 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars If you get only one Crowley book, this is the one October 25, 2000

By "snowcatguy"

Format:Hardcover

This text is heralded as Crowley's Magnum Opus. And with good cause.

If you only get one book by the Beast, this should be it. In it is his complete system of Magick and Thelema. This work, as previous reviewers have indicated, contains in one volume all the texts that are essential to Crowley's system. I found it much more convenient to get the single volume as opposed to raking through used books section of a dozen or so occult bookshops.

It is, admittedly, hard to read straight through, but it is worth the effort. This book does for Thelema much of what Regarde's "The Golden Dawn" does for that occult system.