Although written as a novel, this book is actually a true story according to the author, Aleister Crowley. With his black magick and occult background the popular press began calling him "The Wickedest Man in the World". This wickedness included his involvement with drug addiction, and this book brings the reader into the minds of users. It clearly explains how one can be drawn in and trapped by addictive drugs like cocaine and heroin, including why the habit is held onto while the users life is ruined. Crowley explains the use of the Will, found in some of his magickal works, in attempting to combat the problem. Considered by some his best-written work, reveals the amazing highs and the complete ruin that can follow.
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About the Author
Aleister Crowley (1875 - 1947), poet, mountaineer, secret agent, magus, libertine, and prophet - was dubbed by the tabloids "The Wickedest Man in the World."
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Yea, I certainly was feeling depressed. Read the first page
Front Cover | Copyright | Table of Contents | Excerpt | Back Cover
Yea, I certainly was feeling depressed. Read the first page
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By jordan
Format:Paperback
Aleister Crowley's Diary of a Drug Fiend is an excellent account of two cocaine addicts progression from innocence into addiction's deepest hells, and salvation through the will. A true story, you are taken along each step of the way by one of two narrators, Peter or Lou Pendragon, from their meeting, to their "cocaine honeymoon," to their heroin addiction, and, at last, their defying the medical beliefs of a post Victorian Europe by breaking addiction without the help of a medical facility.
I strongly recommend this book to anyone suffering from addiction of any sort, as well as people open minded enough to truly appreciate what Crowley has to say. I would also recommend it to students of the occult, as it serves as an excellent introduction to the Doctrine of Thelema.
Format:Paperback
Anyone who thinks Diary of a Drug Fiend is purely about drugs is wrong. Yes, that is the subject matter of at least 2/3 of the book, but the choice of drugs as the subject matter is immaterial. The author required a highly difficult human condition in order to explain his theories of applying the Will to life. It is interesting to read about underground drug culture in 1922, as such a thing was brand new, the anti-drug laws having been passed just before. But what stands out the most is King Lamus' character, who presents a truly Western method for living, the polar opposite of Eastern philosophy. The back of the book cover speaks about practical magick, but what it must be understood that "magick" refers mainly to psychological control of one's self, rather than anything supernatural.
By A Customer
Format:Paperback
This book is kind of longwinded and slow at times. It probably could have been edited down a bit. It might take some time to get into but it's definitely worth it, especially if you have an interest in Crowley & pharmacology.
This is not necessarily a "Just Say No" book. Crowley most definitely describes how good drugs can feel. But then he describes how addiction can control and ruin a person. He honestly describes the celestial highs & infernal lows.
This is a "Just Have Will Power" book--"Do What Thou Wilt Shall Be the Whole of the Law." Rather than telling you never to use drugs, he describes what can happen if they are misused.
Crowley describes a brilliant method of overcoming addiction: distancing yourself from your desire, dissociating with it. Crowley advises the addict to be aware of drug cravings and to laugh at them, to simply analyse your craving and marvel at it, rather than immediately giving in to temptation. "Hmm, how strange that I my body should want this drug so badly. Interesting." In this way the Higher Will dissociates from the addicted flesh. Withdrawal symptoms are analysed and dissected as the spasms of a sick body, while the Will acts to carry the body into freedom from substances.
From what I recall, I am not sure that Crowley was able to take his own advice; I think he struggled with heroin and tobacco abuse for the rest of his life, after writing this book. I may be wrong though, do your own research.
All in all, this was a great book with a unique viewpoint on overcoming addictions in order to attain freedom.
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4.7 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Mr.Crowley, what you got in your head?
I enjoyed the book. Some of the grammar used was a little different than today but the message was clear. Enjoy
Published on Mar 6 2011 by Marc A. Champagne
5.0 out of 5 stars
A Book on Personal Triumph
Aleister Crowley's first published novel was "Diary of a Drug Fiend." The book was originally published in London in 1922. Read more
Published on Nov 14 2003 by Richard J. Brzostek
1.0 out of 5 stars
DO WHAT THOU WILT IS THE WHOLE KAZOO,BUCKAROO!
Crowleyï¿s fictionalized account of two druggies who go on a dope spree throughout Europe. When the two run out of money and dope, the fun ends. Read more
Published on July 22 2003
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant Account of Drug Use and Abuse
I've been using drugs for years, so this book appealed to me. I'm also interested in the occult and Aleister Crowley's ideas. Read more
Published on Sep 27 2002
5.0 out of 5 stars
Productive Brilliance
What? Aleister, what a productive philosophy?! Thanks
Published on Aug 27 2002 by A. Degtyarev
5.0 out of 5 stars
Productive Brilliance
What? Aleister, what a productive philosophy?! Thanks
Published on Aug 27 2002 by A. Degtyarev
5.0 out of 5 stars
Blow
As a dragon of luck
In a crystal tear,
Floating so high
No room for fear.
In a crystal tear,
Floating so high
No room for fear.
Powdery snow
On the hills of my mind,
The bliss and the magic
So easy to... Read more
Published on Dec 18 2001
5.0 out of 5 stars
Drug abuse vs. drug use
Begins with the age old tale: boy gets wired on coke, boy meets girl, boy marries girl and goes off travelling with her through europe doing copious amounts of C. and H. Read more
Published on Dec 10 2001 by William S. Cooper
5.0 out of 5 stars
Journey Into a Strange World
FYI: Even though the word appears in the title, Amazon censored this review, not me.
I have never used ... so I can't tell you how accurately things are depicted here. Read more
Published on Sep 24 2001 by Slade Simon
5.0 out of 5 stars
Truly A Love Story And An Intro To Thelema
A Beautiful book, useful for any man women or child interested in the esoteric or wanting to explore the mind of the addict. This book will change your life. Read more
Published on Aug 19 2001 by Super Styles
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