Obscure and Recommended Writings by Aleister Crowley

Aleister Crowley is largely known as one of the most prominent figures of the occult in the modern age, and very infamously known for his antics and larger than life persona—however he is cemented in history as a brilliant writer of poetry, short stories, and various works on magick and the esoteric arts. In this article, I will be presenting and briefly discussing some of his various and more obscure works that are guaranteed to be enjoyed by readers everywhere.

"Snowdrops From a Curate's Garden"

Snowdrops From A Curate's Garden is a collection of erotic poetry written by Crowley under the pseudonym "George Archibald Bishop" while in Paris. It is of particular interest due to its over the top X-Rated content that is often comical and obscene at the same time. It is a lighthearted read and not to be taken very seriously , I would recommend reading it on a lazy weekend with a cup of coffee in hand.

It is quite hard to find a hard copy; however, PDF files are available online.

"Tannhäuser: A Story of All Time"

This story tells the tale of a knight named Tannhäuser and his descent into various worlds. It is an enjoyable read and is written like a play with different acts and lines for each character.

It is an enjoyable read to any reader looking for a fictional story, but it is of greater interest to the esoteric student due to Crowley's use of Qabbalistic references and symbolism in which the story tells of the "great work" of Thelema (the spiritual philosophy created by Crowley).

"Diary of a Drug Fiend"

Diary of a Drug Fiend was the first novel publised by Aleister Crowley, and is a fascinating view into the psychology of recreational drug use. It follows the tale of a protagonist and his mistress and their descent into debauchery and drug addiction. When journeying into this astounding novel one must take in mind it is a bit dated and was a product of the times as opposed to the modern drug culture of the modern era, yet it is perhaps one of the greatest vivid command and expression of the English language.

"Clouds Without Water"

Originally published under a pseudonym, and titled after a verse in the book of Jude, Clouds Without Water is a rare book of poetry that contains such works as "The Alchemist" and "The Vampire" and is definitely recommended to be read undisturbed in solace, for any fan of good poetry. Unlike much of his other poetry that is usually seen as shocking, this title is a very beautiful and passionate work.

"Konx Om Pax"

Published in 1907, Konx Om Pax is a collection of works by Crowley. It is recmomended to the serious Thelemic reader as well as those interested in philosophy in general.

The front cover portrays stretched letters, and was supposedly created while Crowley was smoking hashish.

Perhaps it is S. L. MacGregor Mathers claim on the translation of the title to Khabs Am Pekht, meaning light in extension in the Egyptian language, that offers the best explanation for this brilliant cover.

The beginning of the book lists three pages of syncretic quotes and introduce Ave—a work in enochian, and the hieroglyphs from the Stele of Revealing, also known as the Stele of Ankh-F-N-Khonsu.

This is then followed by:

The Wake World—A story of spiritual as ascension.

Thien Tao, or, the Synagogue of Satan—An essay almost in the form of a play.

Ali Sloper, or, the Forty Liars: A Christmas Diversion —A work of satire and a play.

Stone of the Philosophers Which Is Hidden in the Mountain of Abiegnus—A satirical back and forth conversation in which poems are exchanged, leading Konx Om Pax to end abruptly with a poem.

The only negative thing about Konx Om Pax one might say is that it is rather short, and ends almost as quickly as it begins when one delves into reading this fantastic collection of works.