C ROWLEY OFTEN SAID that for an idea to be true, it must contain its own contradiction. Thus a concise guide to his work is arguably an impossibility. What one person concludes is crucial to an understanding of his magical system, another may reject as superfluous. With that said, several people reviewed this manuscript who have our deepest respect and gratitude. In thanking them for their assistance, we also absolve them of any responsibility for our choices. In alphabetical order, Hymenaeus Beta, J. Daniel Gunther, Stephen J. King, J. P. Lund, and David Scriven all provided expert guidance and invaluable (sometimes stinging) criticism. Daniel Pineda made several excellent editorial suggestions. Keith Stump offered encouragement and proofreading. Thanks to James Strain for providing the cover image many years ago, to Anthony W. Iannotti for the Diary of a Drug Fiend cover scan, and to Kent Finne, Stella Grey, and Nancy Wasserman for reviewing the manuscript. Finally, we are grateful to Ordo Templi Orientis for allowing us permission to quote Crowley's works and access images from their collection; and the Warburg Institute of the University of London, the Beinecke Rare Book and Manuscript Library of Yale University, and the New York Public Library for access to their manuscript materials on Aleister Crowley, Mary Butts, and W. B. Yeats, respectively.
Richard Kaczynski and James Wasserman