The Great Beast. The Life of Aleister Crowley

SYMONDS, John

Published by London: Rider and Company, 1951

About this Item

FIRST EDITION. 8vo, pp. 316, ill. AUTHOR S PRESENTATION COPY inscribed on verso of front flyleaf: For Michael Hamburger, / the fruit of our many discussions, from / John. Oct 26, 51. Bound in blue cloth, gilt title to spine. Original dust jacket overall in good condition: edges, hinges lightly rubbed and worn, just a few little marginal tears. This is the first of four biographical books by John Symonds (1914-2006) on the notorious English occultist Aleister Crowley: the man who inspired the Beatles, the beat generation and fostered Western magic and Eastern esotericism. It was Symonds who introduced readers to The Great Beast. The writer met Crowley shortly before he died and was named his literary executor. He was fascinated, yet quite critical of his subject, leading Crowley s personal secretary Israel Regardie to label him that most hostile biographer. The present work has an inscribed dedication to Michael Hamburger OBE (1924-2007), a noted translator, poet, critic, memoirist and academic of German literature. Inscribed by the author.

Seller Inventory # ABE-1525189564985

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Great Beast. The Life of Aleister Crowley
• Publisher: London: Rider and Company
• Publication Date: 1951
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Condition: Very Good
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Signed: Inscribed by Author(s)
• Seller catalogs:
  • Crowley