The Magical Record of the Beast 666: The Diaries of Aleister Crowley 1914-1920.
Montreal, Canada: Next Step Publications, 1972. First North American Edition. Hardcover. Large octavo. xvi + 326pp. Bound in brilliant red cloth, gilt-lettered on spine. Index. The significant first publication of this group of Crowley's diaries, which cover virtually the whole of Crowley's American sojourn, from shortly after his arrival in 1914 to his departure in 1919, his subsequent travels, and early days at Cefalu in 1920. They record not only day to day events, but his magical workings, experiments with sex magick and drugs (hence he termed them his "Magical Record"). The book was jointly published by Next Step Publications, in Canada, and Duckworth in the UK, with the former apparently being the main movers in the project. Next Step was founded by Peter Macfarlane (best known for his role in 93 Publishing) and Pierre Robert. Just a hint of shelfwear and dust, very light bump to upper corner - else a lovely clean and tight near Fine copy in mylar protected cover. Item #69561
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