The Book of Pleasure (Self-Love) The Psychology of Ecstasy.
London: Published by Author, 1913. First Edition. Original black limp cloth boards, lettered across front in white. Small folio (15.5" x 10"), (iv) + 60pp. Nine full page halftone illustrations and numerous smaller illustrations throughout. The first edition of what is generally regarded as Spare's magical Magnum Opus in which he set forth for the first time his system of sigil magic. It was published in 1913, probably at around the time that Spare ended his association with Aleister Crowley, and although Crowley would later suggest that Spare had "imitated" his own works, the magical system which Spare outlines in "The Book of Pleasure" is one of startling originality, and the book must rate as one of the most important and innovative occult works of the twentieth century. According to Spare scholar Robert Ansell only about 300 copies were actually produced, despite a proposed print-run of 800 copies (see Robert Ansell's bibliography in "Zos Speaks!"). The limp cloth boards are a little creased and warped as usual, and show some significant discoloration, notably at the bottom edge of the front and back boards where something (perhaps old damp-exposure) has caused the cloth to bleach. The head and tail of the spine and corners are lightly bruised. Unusually the white titling on the front board is quite bright and has suffered only minor spots of rubbing. Small owner's name on front free endpaper. Pages a little tanned, and with some mild discoloration as often, and a small ink mark - probably a printer's flaw - on the bottom margin of the plate facing p. 17. Were it not for the discolored patches on the binding it would rate much better than VG. It is still a strong, internally VG copy of an important and increasingly difficult-to-find work. Item #57621
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