Diary of a Drug Fiend (Paperback)

~ (Author) "Yea, I certainly was feeling depressed..." (more)
Key Phrases: gray caviare, heroin life, love under will, King Lamus, Sir Peter, Big Lion (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The true story of Aleister Crowley's own experience with drugs.

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

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: Weiser Books (June 1, 1977)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0877281467
• ISBN-13: 978-0877281467
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5.3 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (49 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #85,838 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

44 of 46 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Book on Personal Triumph, November 14, 2003

By	Richard J. Brzostek (New England, USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

Aleister Crowley's first published novel was "Diary of a Drug Fiend." The book was originally published in London in 1922. Although written over seventy-five years ago, the book is still relevant for today's readers. The book paints a vivid picture of the mind of drug users. The drug user's highs, lows, and sometimes strange thought patterns are described in great detail in this interesting book.

The infamous Aleister Crowley invokes a reaction with some people. Some say he was strange and went off the deep-end with his involvement in Magick, the practice of using various techniques to exert control over the forces of nature. If one is too close-minded to read this book because of the author's reputation, he or she would be missing a great read.

This story is supposedly based on truth. False names were used to conceal the identities of the people in the book. For instance, Aleister Crowley is called Peter Pendragon in the book. Peter went to a pub and was socializing with some people he knew when he saw the woman that would change his life, Lou.

"Across the moaning body of the blackmailer, I was looking at the face of a girl that I had never seen before. And I said to myself, "Well, that's all right, I've known you all my life." And when I said to myself "my life," I didn't in the least mean my life as Peter Pendragon, I didn't even mean a life extending through the centuries, I meant a different kind of life --something with which centuries have nothing whatever to do (Crowley 11)."

This truly eloquent description of Peter's first glimpse of Lou reveals that Crowley was truly a master of language. The book is written in such a clever way that the reader continues to want more.

Basically, the story is of Peter falling madly in love with a woman named Lou. They run off to Paris and travel throughout Europe. Lou introduces Peter to cocaine and heroin and they quickly become dependent on the narcotics. When their supply of drugs runs out, the withdrawal troubles begin. Lou's father, King Lamus, helps the two overcome their addiction by the application of practical Magick. Both Peter and Lou find their true purpose in life and live happily ever after.

"Diary of a Drug Fiend" would be a beneficial source of information for professionals involved with the psychology of addiction. Doctors, lawyers, police, and the average person would gain insight into the thought patterns of a drug addict from the first high, to the constant effort to regain the effects of the first high. The craving for the drug, and how it is the only thing the user thinks about when he or she does not have the drug for a period of time is covered thoroughly. How selfish and careless one becomes when he or she needs a fix is also mentioned in the book. Peter lost his love for Lou because he could only think of the drugs. He quickly knew this was wrong and constantly tried to regain his love for Lou.

If people are open-minded and enjoy challenging their beliefs, then "Diary of a Drug Fiend" may be the book to read. At the time of reading this book, I found many useful insights that could dramatically change one's life contained within its pages. Overall, this book by Aleister Crowley is fantastic.

25 of 27 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars chillingly accurate and thorougly descriptive of drug use, August 10, 2000

By	Dave O'Hearn (Boston, MA United States) - See all my reviews

This book describes cocaine and heroin thoroughly, from the only perspective that matters, their effects on the individuals who use them. Far from just describing how it ruins their lives, he gives the whole picture: why they started using, why they made it into a habit, why they held onto it when it was ruining their lives, and what they had to do to correct the problem they had created. This perspective is an excellent antidote to the many forces today that put the blame on "bad parenting" or "society" or "not enough church". Crowley names the true cause of drug abuse: lack of purpose in life. What is even more remarkable is that this was not a reactionary response to the popular recipients of blame; Diary of a Drug Fiend is the first published work on the lives of drug users, ever. Crowley was a brilliant man and it is thrilling to read his words.

Of course, this work is not a study on drug use or an essay describing its effects. It makes its point in the most eloquent way possible, by relating the lives of the people involved in the form of diaries they kept. The descriptions of the psychological states invoked by the drugs are intricate and real, not mere "it made me feel happy" or "I was full of energy." And Crowley does this without glorifying or damning the chemicals themselves, as it is not necessary; the events of the story are all the reason one needs. My one criticism of the book is Crowley's philosophy. He believes strongly in the individual's power to solve his own problems, but he advocates this by a mystical "True Will", not a rational identification of ones problems and a rational decision to correct them. I am certain that this would work for people who think in these terms, but not for everybody.

18 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Barry McCaffrey should read this. . ., March 9, 2000

By	George Schaefer (Croydon, PA USA) - See all my reviews

Aleister Crowley is one of the great unheralded masters of the Enlgish language. Many aspects of his spiritual and philosophical views may leave some people in the dust, however. The mysticism can be perplexing to the average reader. Diary Of A Drug Fiend is successful because it is very easy to understand. The use of language is masterful. It is not a pretty story, to be sure, and many will disagree with the seemingly pro drug message but it is a great tale. Peter Pendragon and Unlimited Lou are presented as both sympathetic and contemptible characters. One feels empahty but it is tainted by the knowledge that they have created their own problems. They are weak. King Lamus almost seems to be like a zen master who patiently guides his pupils to higher heights. I can not say that I agree entirely with the philosophy espoused by King Lamus but it is exhilarating to follow this tale as it unfolds. I am sure many will be offended by Crowleys portrayal of King Lamus as a master who can use and not use drugs with ease. I do not suggest that mastery over heroin or cocaine is easy or even possible but this is just a work of fiction. It should not be taken literally. I do not know if this is meant as a self defense for Crowleys own drug use. It is irrelevent to me. Many great artists were alcoholics or drug addicts. It does not deter my admiration for this spectacularly well written book. Aleister Crowley could have been one of the great novelists had he chosen to pursue that path. This was one of the best reads I had in years.