Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley (1875–1947) was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, writer and poet, best known as the founder of the religious-philosophical system of Thelema.

Born 1875, died 1947. Founder of Thelema; author of The Book of the Law (received in Cairo in 1904, according to Crowley's account, from an entity named Aiwass). Member of the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn (later expelled) and associated with the Ordo Templi Orientis. His image has been used in popular culture (appeared among figures on the Beatles' Sgt. Pepper cover) and his former home Boleskine House in Scotland was later purchased by musician Jimmy Page.

Three DeBaser reviews discuss Crowley’s occult writings, short-story collections and his influential manual Magick. Reviewers note literary limits but highlight a persistent “weird” charm and wide cultural influence, especially on dark and experimental music. The texts suit readers of esoterica and weird fiction.

For:Readers interested in occultism, esotericism, weird literature, and the influence of Crowley on music.