A fully annotated, deluxe hardcover edition of one of Aleister Crowley's foundational works.

Features Crowley's preferred edition, based on all existing drafts and notes from his personal copies.

Includes an introduction and explanatory notes by Crowley's biographer, Richard Kaczynski, which help clarify obscure passages and references.

Additionally, it contains Crowley's secret rituals related to his early explorations in sexual magic, his initial acceptance of the legendary title “the Beast,” and his encounters with the Golden Dawn, Buddhism, Gnosticism, and Christianity.

Highly controversial for English publishers, Aleister Crowley published The Song Sword, his first talismanic work, in Paris in 1904, printing only one hundred copies.

Breaks down his encounters with the Golden Dawn, Buddhism, Gnosticism, and Christianity, exploring Crowley's magic and spiritual philosophy prior to the revelation that led him to The Book of the Law.

The Song Sword also includes Crowley's first manifesto, his initial explorations into sexual magic, his early acceptance of the title “the Beast,” the esoteric poem “Day of Upgrading,” and secret rituals.

Now available in a fully annotated, deluxe hardcover edition, Crowley's renowned biographer, Richard Kaczynski, presents Crowley's preferred edition of The Song Sword, based on all existing drafts as well as previously unpublished notes from Crowley's personal copies of the book.

Kaczynski clarifies all significant changes and additions across various editions and provides explanations for many references to esoteric and pop culture.

Includes a substantial academic introduction reflecting a deep understanding of Crowley and the development of his magical practice.

Kaczynski shows how The Song Sword was not only an original work influencing Crowley's later creations like Konx Om Pax and The Book of Lies, but also reveals how the blending of poetry, allegory, fiction, and essays exposes the core inner works of one of the 20th century's most provocative thinkers, just before he received the definitive The Book of the Law from the discarnate entity Aiwass.

Pages: 464, Year of Publication: 0703, Dimensions: 17.8x17.8cm