[ CROWLEY, Aleister & D'ESTE STURGES, Mary ] Frater Perdurabo & Soror Virakam.

Book 4, Part I [ Book Four Part 1 ].

London: Wieland, ND (1912 ). First Edition - First Issue. Original yellow printed cloth over limp boards, black treated cloth spine. A first issue of the First Edition of the first volume, on mysticism, of Crowley's magnum opus, "Book 4". Only 500 copies were printed of this first issue, which has the publisher's address given as "3 Great James Street, Bedford Row."
The volume is in its original distinctive "flashing binding" and is unusual example of the book as talismanic object, with the design by Crowley also reflecting the (itself symbolic) number 4: a theme carried through from the square shape; 4 equal sides; to the original prices, 4 groats and 4 tanners respectively, and the intended 4 volumes of the series (although only two were issued in this format).
The volume has what appears to be the initials CvP, the numerals & letters "30 RA" and what looks like a small "Rosy-Cross" in pencil on the first blank. Tipped in, in facing the title-page, is a 2 ¼ x 1 ½ inch sepia photograph of a young man, seated in a yoga asana, in front of tent, underneath again is written C v P, although it is possible that the scrawl inbetween may or may not be a small "v". There are three lengthy hand-written passages, and occasional shorter notes, elucidating the text, in the margins of a number of pages. At least some of these are drawn from passages in Crowley's "Liber Jugorum" and "The Temple of Solomon the King". The photograph and notes are almost certainly contemporary with each other, and most likely date from sometime between 1912 and 1930. Unfortunately the small character between the C and P is not legible, although it could be a "v" symbolising the contraction of a particle like "van" or "von" as frequently encountered in Dutch and German names. It is tempting to speculate that the volume might have belonged to one of Crowley's early South African followers ("van" from the Dutch being common in Afrikaaner names) but little is known about the history of this group and it remains a mystery and subject for further research.
More recently it is from the collection of Clive Harper with his discreet 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.
Obviously a much used volume. The cloth spine is lightly chipped at the head and tail, and splitting at the front fold, although the boards are still firmly attached. Covers and edges darkened. An old, crude tape reinforcement at the gutter of the title-page. Occasional darkening / discoloration throughout. Clearly much used, but still a solid, well-worn example of the unusual first issue of the first edition, and an interesting object for future research. Item #66020

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