The Diary of a Drug Fiend.
London: Sphere Books Ltd., 1972. First Sphere Books Edition. Softcover. Pocket sized paperback. 382pp + ii adverts. A reprint of Crowley's famous novel of addiction, magick and redemption with a new introduction by John Symonds. This copy SIGNED by John Symonds in the upper margin of the first page. John Symonds (1914–2006) was an English author and journalist who met Crowley shortly before his death, and whom Crowley appointed his literary executor. Symonds is most widely remembered on account of the various iterations of his biography of Aleister Crowley, "The Great Beast", which were largely responsible for introducing a new generation to Crowley in the 1950s through 1970s, and also for his editing and publishing - mostly with Kenneth Grant - a number of works by Crowley in the late 1960s and 1970s. From the collection of Clive Harper with his discrete book-label neatly tipped in at the rear. Harper is well- known as the bibliographer of Austin Osman Spare, for updating the Aleister Crowley bibliography in the 2011 Teitan Press collection of Gerald Yorke's writings, and as someone who has lent his expertise to numerous other publications. Covers a bit rubbed and worn overall, a bit of light creasing, page edges darkened and thumbed, pages toned but clean and unmarked. Overall a tight near VG copy. Item #65101
Sold