Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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73 of 74 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The ultimate Thelemic resource : Crowley's Dream Come True, March 29, 2003
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).
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25 of 28 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
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!
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34 of 40 people found the following review helpful:
3.0 out of 5 stars
Book 4 Parts I - IV, June 13, 2004
Having read the lively debate/reviews below, I think some important points have been missed through what appear to be fairly 'knee jerk' reactions.It should be noted that Crowley was one of the first 'Westerners' to bring the teachings of Yoga and Buddhism to the UK & USA during a time of strict formal religious discipline. He was the first to spend serious time and money investigating the mysteries of the mind and the subconscious, using drugs (then legal) and meditation, which was unheard of at that time (1900's). Just as 'The Beatles' (Crowley appears on the front cover of Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearst Club Band) and many other 'Society changing' bands experimented with mind altering drugs and alternative reality in the 1960's - he also wrote about his experiences with painful truth and applied his findings to the way we perceive existence. Such people are rarely accepted by their social group. Anyone who breaks with convention (and he broke many) will be reviled and attract a certain amount of infamy. To disregard him entirely is wrong. To worship him is also wrong. His achievements create open debate on alternative religious belief systems - allowing people to question their own inherent faith and to explore others. His greatest achievement is not so much 'Magick', but the fact that all spiritual belief should have the same overall goal, that of an infinite broader view of our own reality in life and death, and to attempt to achieve this without the hindrance of conditioned guilt/sin/love/hate/ego - as well as social/religious taboo's. However, Crowley did attempt to increase his own wealth via magical practice and this failed. Crowley also wanted (at one point) to 'renounce his role as Magus' and stated he ..'could not go on with his work' due to lack of belief in his own powers, although he continued with his practice's for some time after this. But his ground breaking work in detailing Buddhism/Yoga (featured in this book) and creating open interest, and greater tolerance for, alternative belief systems is valid. The book, like most of his output, is a product of its time. He did attempt to ritualise his beliefs and it shares the same instructional 'symbolic' style of the bible. A better read for those who have an interest in his work would be 'Do what thou wilt - A Life of Aleister Crowley' by Lawrence Sutin, also sold by Amazon. Its well written and researched - providing an objective view of his life and work.
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by Aleister Crowley
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