CROWLEY, Aleister.

The Works of Aleister Crowley.

Rare first collected edition, "Essay Competition" issue of The Works of Aleister Crowley; inscribed by Aleister Crowley

Foyers: Society For The Propagation of Religious Truth, 1905-1907.

$8,200.00

In Stock Item Number: RRB-149730

Custom Clamshell Box (+$450)

* Custom Clamshell Boxes are hand made by the Harcourt Bindery upon request and take approximately 60 days to complete

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First collected edition, "Essay Competition" issue of the collected writings of the noted occult writer. Octavo, three volumes bound into one as issued in the original publisher's limp linen with gilt titles to the front panel, top edge gilt with others untrimmed. Boldly signed by the author on the second free endpaper, "With Mr. Aleister Crowley's compliments." When the standard edition of his Collected Works failed to sell in great numbers, in an attempt to boost sales Crowley offered a PS100 prize for the best essay on his works. The winner was also allegedly the only entrant, a Captain J. F. C. Fuller who enthused over Crowley's skill as a poet. [Yorke 23]. In near fine condition. Housed in a custom felt-lined half vellum clamshell box. Rare.

Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) was an English occultist, poet, and ceremonial magician whose writings have had a profound impact on Western esotericism. Central to his thought is The Book of the Law (1904), which he claimed was dictated to him by a spiritual entity named Aiwass, laying the foundation for the religion of Thelema. The text encapsulates his maxim, “Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law,” emphasizing the pursuit of one’s true will as a spiritual imperative. Beyond The Book of the Law, Crowley authored an extensive body of work, including Magick in Theory and Practice, which sought to systematically present his understanding of ritual magic as a scientific and spiritual discipline. His writings blend elements of mysticism, Kabbalah, yoga, and Western magic, reflecting his ambition to create a comprehensive philosophy of spiritual liberation. While often condemned in his time as a scandalous and heretical figure, Crowley’s literary and occult contributions have since been recognized as formative in the development of modern magical practice, influencing both esoteric traditions and contemporary countercultural movements.