In the Center of the Fire, A Memoir of the Occult 1966 - 1989.
Lake Worth FL: Ibis Press, 2012. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. Maroon cloth with gilt lettering to spine. 310pp. (+ iipp. adverts) & 24 pages of photos on coated paper, and b&w in-text illustrations, bibliography and index. This copy SIGNED by the author on the half title page: "93 - James Wasserman 93 93/93". An autobiographical account of life in the New York occult underground of the 1970s and 1980s by James (Jim) Wasserman (1948-2020), an American writer, publisher, occultist, and longtime stalwart of the O.T.O. Wasserman was a central figure in the vibrant occult scene that blossomed in Manhattan during that period and played a significant role in the development of interest in Aleister Crowley in the United States, being actively involved in the publishing Crowley's works and in the struggle between Marcelo Motta and Grady McMurtry, as well as being the founder of Tahuti Lodge of the O.T.O. In addition to offering a detailed historical view of events, the book also presents "a bird's eye view of the 1960s hippie culture and its excesses of sex and drugs, and rock 'n roll-along with an account of some of the personal transformations and penalties such a lifestyle brought forth." An interesting and entertaining first-person perspective on this vital period of occult history, by the late Jim Wasserman, who was a well-known and respected author, publisher and speaker on the occult, Templars, esoteric Freemasonry and kindred subjects. This copy from the collection of Clive Harper with his ownership details penciled on front pastedown. 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. As "New", thus near Fine in same mylar protected dust jacket. Item #74940
ISBN: 9780892542017
Price: $45.00