Perdurabo, Revised and Expanded Edition: The Life of Aleister Crowley [Hardcover]

Richard Kaczynski (Author)

Book Description

Release date: August 10, 2010

The name “Aleister Crowley” instantly conjures visions of diabolic ceremonies and orgiastic indulgences—and while the sardonic Crowley would perhaps be the last to challenge such a view, he was also much more than “the Beast,” as this authoritative biography shows. Perdurabo (the magical name Crowley chose when inducted into the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn) traces Crowley’s remarkable journey from his birth as the only son of a wealthy lay preacher to his death in a boarding house as the world’s foremost authority on magick. Along the way, he rebels against his conservative religious upbringing; befriends famous artists, writers, and philosophers (and becomes a poet himself ); is attacked for his practice of “the black arts”; and teaches that science and magick can work together. While seeking to spread his infamous philosophy of “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” Crowley becomes one of the most notorious figures of his day. Based on Richard Kaczynski’s twenty years of research, and including previously unpublished biographical details, Perdurabo paints a memorable portrait of the man who inspired the counterculture and influenced generations of artists, punks, wiccans, and other denizens of the demimonde.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“Although there have been several authoritative (and relatively impartial) bios of the occultist Aleister Crowley published in the last decade, in my opinion there is one that is definitely a cut above the rest. This would be Perdurabo by Richard Kaczynski, PhD. As "The definitive biography of the founder of modern magick," Kaczynski's revised and expanded edition of his 2002 offering is tirelessly researched (20 years!), highly detailed and loaded with photos, many of which are quite rare.”
–Toolband.com, official website of rock band TOOL
 
“Richard Kaczynski’s Perdurabo: the Life of Aleister Crowley is the one biography that is absolutely necessary for anyone who wishes to know more about one of the most creative, seminal, and misunderstood figures of the last hundred years.”
–David Tibet, founder of Current 93
 
"A brilliant essayist, a superior poet, and an extraordinary artist, mountaineer, and explorer, the Crowley presented in these witty and erudite pages is at once shocking, wise, egocentric, petty, inspirational and, most importantly, real. Roundly rejecting the pantomime villain at the center of previous biographies and deeply suspicious of the nonsensical hero-worship of some of his modern followers, Kaczynski's portrait of Crowley is balanced and well-informed. Rare illustrations support a superbly written and meticulously researched text.”
–Paul Feazey, LAShTAL.com

"Perdurabo is a magnificent biography not only on the colorful and fascinating figure himself, but on the occult, eastern religions, sexuality, and the attempt to apply the rigors of the scientific method to the so-called occult. Kaczynski does justice to Crowley’s life and thought, solidly placing him with other great spiritual development figures. Anybody who wants to learn about Crowley would enjoy this book, while more serious followers will appreciate the previously unpublished biographical details and photographs."
–Sacramento Book Review
 
“This is not only the most carefully-researched, detailed, and informative biography of Crowley yet written but also a remarkable insight into the nature of magic itself.”
–Ronald Hutton, author of The Triumph of the Moon and Blood and Mistletoe: The History of the Druids in Britain
 
“Several recently-published biographies of Crowley do justice, for the most part, to his life and works. But their offerings now stand like skeletal frames of unfinished houses next to Kaczynski’s magnificently constructed edifice. Every brick is set in place with the mortar of meticulous research and insight. Thank you, Dr. Kaczynski. I’ve waited thirty-five years for this.”
–Lon Milo DuQuette, author of The Magick of Aleister Crowley
 
“At long last, the world has a balanced and readable biography that reflects how magick shaped every facet of Aleister Crowley’s life. And Dr. Kaczynski doesn’t dismiss magick as humbug or mumbo-jumbo but validates it as a legitimate method of spiritual development meriting serious study.”
–Christopher S. Hyatt, PhD, author of Undoing Yourself
 
“Richard Kaczynski uses a novelist’s touch to make this exceptionally well-researched book read like an adventure story. For the serious student of Ceremonial magick or anyone curious about the truth behind all those weird stories, it’s essential reading.… Perdurabo is bound to become the definitive biography on Aleister Crowley.”
–NewWitch magazine
 
“Aleister Crowley–what a man. I've read several Crowley biographies, and this one takes the prize for most enjoyable and intimate. Mr. Kaczynski has the personal understanding and experience necessary to paint an accurate portrait of Crowley, with all the exciting context in place. Mr. Kaczynski's passion for his subject makes for an informative and potentially life-changing read. Why wade on the shores of such a vast man, when you can dive in? I think Crowley himself would have welcomed such a loving penetration."
–Andrew W.K., musician
 
"I've avidly devoured biographies of Aleister Crowley since my teens, because like other great artists (such as Oscar Wilde), half his genius went into his life. Perdurabo is undoubtedly the most complete and best researched of all the biographies, yet manages to be un-put-downable, tragic as well as laugh-out-loud funny–and best of all, it takes the Magick seriously."
–Peter Lamborn Wilson, author, Green Hermeticism: Alchemy & Ecology
 
“[Perdurabo] is the best and most rigorous treatment of Crowley's life ever published. Essential reading for anyone who wants to know more about this remarkable man.”
–Cardiff University Pagan Society Magazine
 
“Dr. Kaczynski has been able to uncover a host of previously unexplored sources which cast new light on Crowley’s life and works. Some are presented here for the first time in this revised edition. It is an achievement that deserves praise and I am sure the book . . . will be used by scholars and students for many years to come as an indispensable reference work.”
–Dr. Marco Pasi, author of Aleister Crowley and the Temptation of Politics
 
“Meticulously researched and brilliantly written, Perdurabo is a revealing and unflinching look at the complex, enigmatic and always controversial figure known to us as Aleister Crowley. . . Kaczynski has written one of the most enjoyable and riveting reads in recent memory. Newly revised and expanded this is the definitive Crowley biography.”
–John Zorn, musician

"Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley provides a definitive biography of the magician and prophet and is a 'must' for any new age collection or library where magic is of interest.”
–Midwest Book Review
 
“If you're a collector of Crowley biographies, this is an essential addition to your collection. If you can only afford one Crowley biography, this is the one to get.”
–Invisible Basilica
 
“This new edition is essential reading for anyone wanting to understand the Great Beast."
–Clive Harper, author of Notes Towards a Revised Bibliography of Austin Osman Spare
 

About the Author

Richard Kaczynski, Ph.D., is the author of The Weiser Concise Guide to Aleister Crowley, editor/annotator of a forthcoming edition of Crowley’s Sword of Song, and co-editor with Hymenaeus Beta of The Revival of Magick and Other Essays. He has been a student of the Western hermetic tradition since 1978, and has lectured internationally on these topics since 1990. His writing has appeared in numerous magazines (High Times, The Magical Link, Neshamah, Cheth, Mezlim, Eidolon, Different Worlds) and books (Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema, The Golden Dawn Sourcebook, Rebels and Devils, People of the Earth).  A research scientist and statistician with the VA Northeast Program Evaluation Center, Kaczynski is also affiliated with Yale University’s School of Medicine (Department of Psychiatry). He lives in Ellicott City, MD.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 720 pages
• Publisher: North Atlantic Books; Rev Exp edition (August 10, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1556438990
• ISBN-13: 978-1556438998
• Product Dimensions: 6.4 x 1.9 x 9.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #77,321 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #38 in Books > Biographies & Memoirs > Professionals & Academics > Philosophers

More About the Author

Richard Kaczynski, Ph.D., is a writer, musician, research scientist and teacher. He is author of "Perdurabo: The Life of Aleister Crowley," "The Weiser Concise Guide to Aleister Crowley," "Perdurabo Outtakes," and "Panic in Detroit: The Magician and the Motor City." He has also co-edited with Hymenaeus Beta "The Revival of Magick and Other Essays," and performed editorial duties for "Beauty and Strength" (the NOTOCON VI proceedings book). He has appeared on television in the documentaries "Secrets of the Occult" and "Aleister Crowley: The Beast 666." Dr. Kaczynski earned his Ph.D. in social psychology, with a minor in measurement and statistics, in 1993 with a dissertation on metaphysical beliefs and experiences among occult practitioners in New Religious Movements. He has been a student of the Western hermetic tradition since 1978, and has lectured internationally on these topics since 1990. Over the years, his writing has appeared in various books ("Aleister Crowley and Western Esotericism: An Anthology of Critical Studies," "A Concordance to the Holy Books of Thelema," "The Golden Dawn Sourcebook," "Rebels and Devils," "People of the Earth") and magazines ("High Times," "The Magical Link," "Neshamah," "Cheth," "Mezlim," "Eidolon," "Different Worlds"). His latest projects include an edited and annotated edition of Aleister Crowley's "Sword of Song" (1904), and a history of sacred sexuality in esoteric societies during the 19th and early 20th centuries. He lives in Maryland with his wife and cats.

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 20 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars An outstanding revision to an already exemplary work! August 10, 2010

By Walter Five VINE™ VOICE

Format:Hardcover|Amazon Verified Purchase

Dr. Kaczynski had already written what many people regard as the best biography of the enigmatic Aleister Crowley, his original "Perdurabo;" the out-of-print paperback currently sells for $90-100, as do the privately published volumes "Perdurabo Outtakes" and "Panic in Detroit." This revised and expanded version is fleshed out with 150 pages of largely new material-- per the author "there is very little overlap between these books and the revised and expanded edition."

This lovely and beautifully bound hardback edition has been highly anticipated and is sure to be a collector's item in years to come. Get it while you can!

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic Additions to the Second Edition March 8, 2012

By Mrs. Kristin Frasier

Format:Hardcover

When I originally read the first edition, it was before it even went to press. It changed my life. It gave me a view of the much misunderstood Aleister Crowley, supposedly the wickedest man in the world. Now, with Dr. Kaczynski's second edition, he was able to add so much more to it, including beautiful pictures. It really helps me to see what the different people in Crowley's life looked like, including Crowley himself at the different stages of his life. This is truly the definitive biography of "Uncle Al." A must have!

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful

3.0 out of 5 stars Exhaustive but not definitive biography of AC March 23, 2013

By Wolfsegg

Format:Hardcover

Dr. Kaczynski had made an important contribution to the burdgeoning field of Crowley studies with this work. However, there are drawbacks. The uneven writing makes the work harder to read. There are numerous editorial mistakes throughout the text. Sometimes the author relies on highly dubious sources to support his conclusions. There are better resources on Crowey, such as Lawrence Sutton's biography, but PERDURABO is almost certainly the most detailed work on Crowley available to date.