Magick in Theory and Practice [Paperback]

Aleister Crowley (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0685220249 | ISBN-13: 978-0685220245 | Publication Date: June 1974

2011 Reprint of 1929 Edition. Illustrated. Full facsimile of the original edition, not reproduced with Optical Recognition Software. Many consider this work by Crowley to be the foremost book on ceremonial magic written in the twentieth century. It was written especially for beginners and one of Crowley's better books. Illustrated with graphs and charts. The original was privately printed in 1929 after Crowley failed to find a publisher in London and has been considered a scarce work since that time.

--This text refers to an alternate Paperback edition.

Product Details

• Paperback
• Publisher: Wehman Brothers (June 1974)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0685220249
• ISBN-13: 978-0685220245
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (17 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #9,878,345 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent introduction to magickal practice, May 12, 2003

By 

N. Jacobs (Fish Creek, Wi USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Magick in Theory and Practice (Paperback)

This book covers everything that a true practitioner must know when approaching magick. The first half of the book is highly informative, and helps you cover all the bases in creating the proper mood sets as well as enviroment for your work. The second half contains several of the most important magickal rituals of Thelema, the most important being the Star Ruby banishing. If you are interested in the Occult at all, or are a magick practioner, GET THIS BOOK. You will not regret it. I have two of Crowley's other books, and they're a bit difficult to digest, but this is very smooth reading. HIGHLY, HIGHLY, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

24 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Bludgeon instead of a Scalpel, February 11, 2006

By 

E. M. Hodge "Cuindless" (Virginia Beach, VA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Magick in Theory and Practice (Paperback)

Aleister Crowley's lecture notes on the subject of magic read exactly as it sounds like they would. Some people have said that the book is so difficult it reads like the Bible. I disagree... I think it reads like COMMENTARY on the Bible! Israel Regardie, Crowley's friend and secretary for many years, once said that he uses "language like a bludgeon where a scalpel would do..." No where is this more evident than in Magic in Theory and Practice.

But despite this, anyone interested in the subject absolutely MUST struggle through it. Crowley's knowledge of magic was unparalleled for his time and remains rarely challenged. This book was written earlier in his life, before years of drug-abuse and syphilis had a chance to ravage his obviously powerful mind. Though the discussion, as it were, ranges from typical magical ritual to the dark "drug-and-sex" magic he's famous for, this wide variety of explanation, theoretical musing and practical advice can't be beat.

That being said, it needs to be approached with a strong will. Crowley's path is tempting, especially for people who are interested in magic for its more Faustian aspects. People who want wealth, fame, sex and power will see the perfect opportunity in this book. After all, Uncle Al died famous and rich, right? Wrong. He died poor, desparate and alone, barely eeking a living by mooching off of his sycophantic followers. The path he chose has its price, and readers should remember that when they peruse these pages.

Okay, editorializing aside, this book has some gems of wisdom in it that really can't be found elsewhere if you have the patience to look. If you want to be a Magus, you need to read this book and take what you can from it. For followers of any path and on any level of study, this book will most likely provide some interesting ideas. Its not 5 stars, because its not 100% accessible by everyone, nor is it easy to read, but its definitely 4 stars with high marks. Hope you enjoy!

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A must-read classic on magick, if you can find it., June 11, 1998

By 

Michael C Smith - See all my reviews

This review is from: Magick in Theory and Practice (Hardcover)

This book is a very difficult read, and that's putting it mildly. However, once you get through the flash and the flare, you begin to realize that Crowley had a real insight into the workings and fundamentals of magick. If you can find a copy of this book, snatch it up, it's worth every penny and worth all the time and trouble.