Diary of a Drug Fiend and Other Works by Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley achieves and surpasses what many authors have aspired to and failed, that is, he has written a classic novel in a rich poetic and deeply passionate style without ever once seeming forced or “assembled.” Crowley’s classic was not “written” or “assembled” as in a formula creation. It’s as if it has always existed. It’s as if it was just “born” out of the author’s soul. Some of the passages are so extraordinary that you may find yourself re-reading them over and over. Crowley’s description of a first attraction to a woman is astounding. But be warned, this is no “beach read.” This is a deep, spiritual, philosophical journey into the great mind of a true thinker and visionary.Crowley seems to live in a lonely and isolated world populated by narrow minded people who live life on a superficial level. Crowley pours his heart and soul out into the pages of this one-of-a-kind journal. You may find yourself feeling his pain and cynicism as you read through this masterpiece. Warning to aspiring writers: as you read Crowley, you may feel like a student of the violin who first listens to Joshua Bell or Itzhak Perlman performing live, that is, the level of genius that Crowley achieves is simply unattainable for most writers. I had to re-read his description of the woman called Lou several times. It is the writing of a true master of the art of prose.I also think this book should be considered as suggested high-school level reading. It could be read and analyzed as a true classic. The story takes you in one end of drug addiction (where life is a party) and out the other end (where life is a living hell).With all of that said, the question is, “is the book enjoyable?” Absolutely! It is enjoyable and more than that, it is unforgettable. It is true “literature” and a “must-have” for anyone who enjoys the real thing.

This was a very pleasant surprise of a read. Granted, the subject matter was of a dark nature as the title states the obvious without the need for me to delve into a lengthy review/synopsis. I went into this book expecting some trashy read that was along the lines of William S. Burroughs or Irvin Welsh regarding this subject matter but what I got was much more to the likes of Hemingway from old Mr. Crowley. Farewell to Arms sprung to mind while reading this. There is more going on then drugs here as this seems to be a bit of a commentary on post-world war I England which had been extremely devastating for everyone there and especially for our two protagonists whom are veterans (a flying ace and a nurse). And when the story seems to be at it’s darkest point of no return there is a light at the end of the tunnel for our characters. As usual, delivery of this book from seller was very satisfactory.

if you were to read only one book by Aleister Crowley i would recommend this one. you will not be disappointed.

Drugs like cocaine and heroine can I have an immense impact on individuals and their families. I should know as I have had family member lose their battle to drugs. By and large cocaine and heroine are not drugs that you can normally control/ but rather they control you. Crowley himself was addicted to heroine. None the less this is still a work of fiction.The story or diary begins with Peter Pendragon being released from the Air Force after a major world war. His uncle leaves him lots of money. One evening he goes to a a fancy resturaunt/nightclub where he get introduced to Lou , his future wife and cocaine. The man doing the introducing is King Lamus who people have mixed emotions about . Lou is a great singer and she immediately captures Peter’s heart . The cocaine makes him feel exhilarating as there is nothing that can stop him. After there marriage they take a honeymoon in France then in Italy.In France he and his wife get into heroine. It takes the edge off the coke. It also helps them keep focused. When it comes to heroine though things soon dissipate into self loathing and neglect . Heroine addicts don’t bathe and their clothes are often unkempt. Due to impurities they tend to age prematurely.But this book is not about drug addiction or the dangers there of. This is a book about Magick and spirituality. King Lamus takes the couple too the abbey of Thelma where they learn about spiritual developement and finding and doing their true will.

Hardback with sewn in signatures and dust cover. This volume contains six works by Crowley including Moonchild and others. 935 pages of text. This book is a bargain at this price. I'm very satisfied with my purchase.

This is a great collection of Crowley’s work. Not only does it contain “Diary,” but it also includes “Moonchild,” “Household Gods,” “The Book of Lies,” “The Book of the Law,” and the notorious “White Stains.”Regarding the quality of the book — it is great! The dust jacket is high quality, the pages are silky feeling, the binding is strong, and the printing is superb. Beyond that, some of the font choices are a nice addition to an already appealing book.This is a great book for people getting started with the works of Crowley, and even a nice addition to the learned collector. Definitely worth the price for such a well done publication!

The algorithm suggested this edition--with the heroin and cannabis bottles on the cover--to me and I fell for it...It's full of typos, a seemingly total inability to correctly use quotation marks, a few places where parts of sentences seem to be missing...And the last sentence of "Diary of a Drug Fiend" is followed by the first page of "A Tale of Two Cities"! It was cheap and the typos sort of add to the altered consciousness effect of the narrative, but I kinda wish I had bought a different edition.

Got this for my husband and wow what a well put together book!! Beautiful

Wow lovely book

A nice story of a co dependent couple who moved into married life a bit too quick

Quality of the book is VERY VERY bad

tutto perfetto

*Five* books in one!Highly recommend this to all Thelemites and or Crowleyans.Agape!