Reasonances.
UK: Scarlet Imprint, 2014. First Edition. Hardcover. Large square 8vo. x + 164pp. Bright mandarin cloth with silver and gilt Unicorn design to upper board, gilt lettering. Molded end papers. Eight black & white photographic portraits; text printed in black and orange on archival paper. Standard ‘Mercurial’ edition limited to 530 handnumbered copies. This copy INSCRIBED and SIGNED to Clive Harper by the author on the half title page. 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. An anthology of selected essays, lectures and interviews by occult pioneer Carl Abrahamsson. A subversive, creative, psychedelic collection of 23 essays spanning thirteen years at the forefront of occulture and magic, followed by an interview with the author by Sylvie Walder. "The unifying question of this diverse and stimulating collection can perhaps be stated thus: how does magic hack culture? Or perhaps even: what is the role and magic of the artist? Abrahamsson proposes strategies of engagement that draw from TOPY, Thelema and Satanism, with which he is intimately acquainted. For Abrahamsson, boundless creativity is a necessary expression of Will. He suggests that we should be actively producing culture, artifacts, music, artworks, happenings. He wants us to reason, to act, to live with meaning. To do our Will. With an understanding of Magician as Artist, in a process of moving from what is hidden to what becomes seen, he employs a methodology that has become apparent in the thirteen years of work that this collection represents. Essays on the history of occult art, the formula of Babalon as supra-sexual transformation, the mechanics of magic, and more, provide a complete vision of a magician who is engaged with counterculture, occulture and incursions into the wider culture. Furthermore, he provides a constellation of Stars by which to navigate these evolving realms. Japanese masochist and master writer Yukio Mishima and German novelist Ernst Jünger are considered, as are Bulwer Lytton of Vril fame and Australian artist Rosaleen Norton. He twice interviews Kenneth Anger, and is found in conversation with Beat avant-garde filmmaker Conrad Rooks. He recites his death rune for mentor Anton LaVey, and eulogises his friend Lady Jaye." Abrahamsson is the founder of the journal "The Fenris Wolf" and co-founder of the publishing house Edda. Previously owned but appears as new thus a clean copy in near Fine condition. (no dust jacket issued). Item #68803
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