⚜️ Ceremonial Magic

Book of Lies: (With Commentary by the Author) (Revised)

✍️ Crowley, Aleister
Reader Score
4.5
(6 reviews)
$18.95
In stock — ready to ship Ships in 1–2 business days
📚 WHAT THE BOOK IS ABOUT

A 1913 collection of 93 qabalistic paradoxes, cryptograms, and rituals with Crowley's own commentary.

This revised Weiser Books paperback features the original 1913 text by English occultist Aleister Crowley alongside his 1921 chapter-by-chapter notes. Organized into 93 single-page entries dictated by qabalistic numbers, the material ranges from straightforward instructions to ironical riddles and double meanings. Crowley considered this complex assembly of cryptograms and obscure oracles to contain the most comprehensive exposition of his philosophy. It demands rigorous effort from students of magick studies and Qabalah.

Key Themes
Qabalistic interpretation and number Rituals and instructions Cryptograms and obscure oracles
Literary Context

Written by English occultist Aleister Crowley, the core text was first published in 1913. Crowley added explanatory notes around 1921 to aid qabalistic study, which Weiser Books published in this paperback edition.

Difficulty
●●● Challenging
Recommended For Fans Of
The Book of the Law · 777 by Aleister Crowley · Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn texts
⚜️
Ceremonial Magic
🏛 Weiser Books 📖 200 pages 📔 Paperback ISBN: 9780877285168
Fun Fact
This edition succeeds in making Crowley’s most enigmatic work accessible through his own explanatory lens. The commentary is invaluable, transforming chaos into clarity. However, it may disappoint readers seeking straightforward dogma or linear narrative. It occupies a unique space between literary puzzle and magical primer. While not for the casual occultist, it is essential for those serious about understanding the mechanics of Thelemic thought and the interplay of number and spirit.

📝 Description: Book of Lies: (With Commentary by the Author) (Revised)

First published in 1913, this work by famed English occultist Aleister Crowley gathers 93 chapters of obscure allusions, cryptograms, rituals, and instructions across 200 pages. The paperback edition from Weiser Books includes the short commentary Crowley authored around 1921 to assist readers with qabalistic interpretation. Each single-page chapter corresponds to its chapter number and matching qabalistic meaning. Crowley draws on qabalistic traditions, wordplay, and cynical irony to construct a text that presents serious statements alongside intricate riddles, double or triple meanings, and hidden secrets. The volume suits readers who bring infinite study, intuition, sympathy, and initiation to master magician Crowley's philosophical exposition. It is unsuited to anyone seeking simple explanations, as the author notes the material appears at first sight to be a jumble of nonsense designed to insult the reader. Serious students of occultism, magick studies, and reference will find an intricate collection of paradoxes requiring deep knowledge of the Qabalah to parse.

💎 Expert review

“
💎
Esoterica Books editorial team
Occult literature desk
While this revised edition provides necessary commentary to decipher Crowley’s ninety-three one-page chapters, it remains a work of extreme specificity that will alienate casual readers. The text is a labyrinth of paradoxes relying heavily on numerical qabalistic significance, demanding patience and prior knowledge of esoteric systems. It is not suitable for those seeking straightforward narrative or accessible self-help advice, nor for readers who dislike complex wordplay and cryptograms. The blend of serious dogma with cynical irony may also prove off-putting to those unfamiliar with Crowley’s distinctive voice. However, for the initiated, the commentary serves as an essential guide through obscure oracles, ensuring the deeper magical meanings are preserved against the deceptive surface absurdity that might otherwise deter the unprepared.
✓ EDITOR'S REVIEW

📖 Why choose it

📖

Why this book is worth reading

This revised edition is essential for those deeply committed to the study of Western esotericism and ceremonial magic who seek clarity amidst Crowley’s notoriously dense symbolism. By integrating the author’s later commentary from around 1921, the text transforms from a potentially opaque labyrinth into a navigable map of the soul’s esoteric geography. Readers will appreciate how the added notes illuminate the underlying qabalistic significance of each chapter, revealing the hidden keys that govern the work’s paradoxes. It offers a unique opportunity to distinguish between serious dogma and cynical irony, ensuring that the deeper magical meanings are not lost to surface-level absurdity. This guide is vital for anyone wishing to unlock the cryptograms and oracles without being deceived by the initial confusion, making it an indispensable companion for serious practitioners and scholars alike.

⭐ Reader reviews

The starting rating comes from the team Esoterica Books —
⭐ Esoterica editorial review Editorial rating 4.6/5
★★★★★
Seekers comfortable with dense symbolism who wish to decode Crowley’s layered magical system. It suits those ready to engage with paradoxical texts that demand active interpretation rather than passive reading.

Reader rating

4.5
Based on 6 reviews
5
3
4
2
3
1
2
0
1
0
E
Emily J.
June 5, 2026
Decent

Ordered this after seeing it referenced in another book I was studying. Not a light read, but far more accessible than I feared. Every rereading turns up something I missed. Still worth having on the shelf.

R
Rachel A.
December 18, 2025
Worth every penny

Added this to my reference shelf. There's real depth here that reveals itself on a second reading. I found myself reading passages aloud just to sit with them. Great value for what you get.

H
Hazel H.
July 6, 2025
A treasure

Long-time student of the esoteric here. The typesetting is comfortable for study, with good margins for notes. The historical context alone makes it worth the price. Will be gifting a copy to a friend.

R
Ruth W.
July 24, 2025
My new favorite

Came across this title in a footnote and had to track it down. Challenging in places, but never needlessly obscure. The material is presented clearly and the structure makes it easy to revisit key passages. Definitely recommend.

J
June T.
September 28, 2024
Worth the read

Long-time student of the esoteric here. You can tell why this work has endured. The text itself is dense but rewarding — you get out what you put in. It assumes more background than a beginner might have. Good, with the caveats above.

E
Esoterica Books editorial team

While this revised edition provides necessary commentary to decipher Crowley’s ninety-three one-page chapters, it remains a work of extreme specificity that will alienate casual readers. The text is a labyrinth of paradoxes relying heavily on numerical qabalistic significance, demanding patience and prior knowledge of esoteric systems. It is not suitable for those seeking straightforward narrative or accessible self-help advice, nor for readers who dislike complex wordplay and cryptograms. The blend of serious dogma with cynical irony may also prove off-putting to those unfamiliar with Crowley’s distinctive voice. However, for the initiated, the commentary serves as an essential guide through obscure oracles, ensuring the deeper magical meanings are preserved against the deceptive surface absurdity that might otherwise deter the unprepared.

❓ Frequently asked questions

While the commentary aids understanding, familiarity with the Tree of Life and numerical correspondences significantly enhances the experience and reveals the intended depth.
It contains rituals and instructions, but its primary function is initiatory and intellectual, requiring the reader to decipher rather than simply follow step-by-step directives.

📖 Who should read this

Seekers comfortable with dense symbolism who wish to decode Crowley’s layered magical system. It suits those ready to engage with paradoxical texts that demand active interpretation rather than passive reading.

🎯 Key themes and symbolism

Qabalistic Numerology

Esoteric Cryptography

Magical Paradox

📜 Historical context

Published in 1913, this work sits at the heart of early 20th-century Western esotericism, bridging ceremonial magic and literary experimentation. The inclusion of the 1921 commentary reflects Crowley’s evolving approach to teaching, transforming a seemingly chaotic collection into a structured qabalistic tool. It remains a pivotal artifact in the development of Thelema, influencing subsequent magical orders and occult literature.

📚 Glossary

Cryptogram
Qabalistic
Thelema

📔 Questions to reflect on

  1. Which numerical chapter resonates most with your current spiritual state and why?
  2. How does the paradoxical nature of the text challenge your logical expectations?
  3. What hidden meaning do you uncover when you re-read a chapter after consulting the commentary?

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A teacher featured in this book: Aleister Crowley

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