1942 - Aleister Crowley. The Fun of the Fair. FIRST LIMITED EDITION, no. 169 of 200 copies
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a complex and controversial figure, often referred to as "the wickedest man in the world." Born Edward Alexander Crowley, he was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer.
He founded the religion of Thelema, based on the principle of "Do what thou wilt," and considered himself a prophet ushering in a new age of human consciousness. Crowley's writings and teachings were often shocking and transgressive, exploring themes of sexuality, drug use, and ritual magic. He was a member of several occult organizations, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). His impact on contemporary spirituality is undeniable.
Aleister Crowley's "The Fun of the Fair" is a long poem recounting his experiences at the Nijni Novgorod fair in Russia in 1913. It is a bawdy and satirical piece. The poem is often interpreted as a metaphor for Crowley's own philosophy and lifestyle. The fair, with its chaotic energy and diverse attractions, represents the world as Crowley saw it - a place of endless possibilities and temptations. The poem's explicit descriptions of sex and debauchery reflect Crowley's embrace of hedonism and his rejection of conventional morality (as well as Crowley’s own unique brand of Bolshevik bashing). It thus contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all readers. Wink wink nudge nudge.
1942. Aleister Crowley. The Fun of the Fair. FIRST LIMITED EDITION, no. 169 of 200 copies signed by the author (this copy is unsigned; Crowley only signed half of the edition). 8vo, pp. 24. Original gray wrappers lettered in red. Light marginal toning to covers. Frontispiece portrait of the author by Cambyses Daguerre Churchill. A fine copy, complete with the initial errata slip and the final mimeographed poem “Landed Gentry”.
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a complex and controversial figure, often referred to as "the wickedest man in the world." Born Edward Alexander Crowley, he was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer.
He founded the religion of Thelema, based on the principle of "Do what thou wilt," and considered himself a prophet ushering in a new age of human consciousness. Crowley's writings and teachings were often shocking and transgressive, exploring themes of sexuality, drug use, and ritual magic. He was a member of several occult organizations, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). His impact on contemporary spirituality is undeniable.
Aleister Crowley's "The Fun of the Fair" is a long poem recounting his experiences at the Nijni Novgorod fair in Russia in 1913. It is a bawdy and satirical piece. The poem is often interpreted as a metaphor for Crowley's own philosophy and lifestyle. The fair, with its chaotic energy and diverse attractions, represents the world as Crowley saw it - a place of endless possibilities and temptations. The poem's explicit descriptions of sex and debauchery reflect Crowley's embrace of hedonism and his rejection of conventional morality (as well as Crowley’s own unique brand of Bolshevik bashing). It thus contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all readers. Wink wink nudge nudge.
1942. Aleister Crowley. The Fun of the Fair. FIRST LIMITED EDITION, no. 169 of 200 copies signed by the author (this copy is unsigned; Crowley only signed half of the edition). 8vo, pp. 24. Original gray wrappers lettered in red. Light marginal toning to covers. Frontispiece portrait of the author by Cambyses Daguerre Churchill. A fine copy, complete with the initial errata slip and the final mimeographed poem “Landed Gentry”.
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) was a complex and controversial figure, often referred to as "the wickedest man in the world." Born Edward Alexander Crowley, he was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer.
He founded the religion of Thelema, based on the principle of "Do what thou wilt," and considered himself a prophet ushering in a new age of human consciousness. Crowley's writings and teachings were often shocking and transgressive, exploring themes of sexuality, drug use, and ritual magic. He was a member of several occult organizations, including the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn and the Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.). His impact on contemporary spirituality is undeniable.
Aleister Crowley's "The Fun of the Fair" is a long poem recounting his experiences at the Nijni Novgorod fair in Russia in 1913. It is a bawdy and satirical piece. The poem is often interpreted as a metaphor for Crowley's own philosophy and lifestyle. The fair, with its chaotic energy and diverse attractions, represents the world as Crowley saw it - a place of endless possibilities and temptations. The poem's explicit descriptions of sex and debauchery reflect Crowley's embrace of hedonism and his rejection of conventional morality (as well as Crowley’s own unique brand of Bolshevik bashing). It thus contains mature themes and may not be suitable for all readers. Wink wink nudge nudge.
1942. Aleister Crowley. The Fun of the Fair. FIRST LIMITED EDITION, no. 169 of 200 copies signed by the author (this copy is unsigned; Crowley only signed half of the edition). 8vo, pp. 24. Original gray wrappers lettered in red. Light marginal toning to covers. Frontispiece portrait of the author by Cambyses Daguerre Churchill. A fine copy, complete with the initial errata slip and the final mimeographed poem “Landed Gentry”.