THE DEATHS AND AFTERLIFE OF ALEISTER CROWLEY
 ©Ian Thornton - 2019 - Unbound
|
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ian Thornton read Business Studies and German at Sheffield University. He has lived in a number of places, including California, Costa Rica, Australia, Mexico, London, and his native and beloved Yorkshire, before moving to Toronto in 2009.
Thornton is a cofounder of the global television industry publisher C21 Media. He covered the royal wedding in London for CTV, and has recently written for Wisden Cricketer, The Guardian, The Hindu, and for the Soho House magazine, House. He also wrote on the football World Cup in South Africa for The Score, and has worked for Queen’s University in Ontario. Thornton is also the official biographer of the Compton cricket club in California, and has been a judge at the largest Latin American film festival, Expresion en Corto. Ian currently resides in Toronto with his wife Heather, and their children, Laszlo and Clementine. Official Website |
Page at Boleskine House
Branded as the 'Wickedest Man in the World', Edward Alexander Crowley (12 October 1875 - 1 December 1947) was an English occultist, painter, poet, novelist and founder of the Thelema religion. Labelled a 'beast' by his own mother, Aleister would make a mark for himself throughout his writings and teachings.
On December 1, 1947 Crowley died of chronic bronchitis. He was cremated and his ashes were buried in Karl Germer's garden in New Jersey. Despite his death, he still remains one of the most recognizable to those interested in the Occult and Magick.
He crossed over to popular culture by being included on The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover; one of his quotes inscribed on Led Zeppelin's third vinyl; referenced in David Bowie's song 'Quicksand' and Ozzy Osbourne's Mr. Crowley.
Proving to be more than just a quote on Zeppelin's album, he was an influence to the band's guitarist Jimmy Page. Page not only collected Crowley's works, but went as far as owning Crowley's Boleskine House. The land and home appears in the group's 'The Song Remains the Same' concert movie. Jimmy owned the historic home and recorded there from 1970-1992.
After Page sold it, it became a private residence and unfortunately, in December 2015, 60% of the structure was lost in a fire. Earlier this year in July 2019 another fire damaged the home further, and a website has been created to help in the restoration of the building.
On December 1, 1947 Crowley died of chronic bronchitis. He was cremated and his ashes were buried in Karl Germer's garden in New Jersey. Despite his death, he still remains one of the most recognizable to those interested in the Occult and Magick.
He crossed over to popular culture by being included on The Beatles' Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album cover; one of his quotes inscribed on Led Zeppelin's third vinyl; referenced in David Bowie's song 'Quicksand' and Ozzy Osbourne's Mr. Crowley.
Proving to be more than just a quote on Zeppelin's album, he was an influence to the band's guitarist Jimmy Page. Page not only collected Crowley's works, but went as far as owning Crowley's Boleskine House. The land and home appears in the group's 'The Song Remains the Same' concert movie. Jimmy owned the historic home and recorded there from 1970-1992.
After Page sold it, it became a private residence and unfortunately, in December 2015, 60% of the structure was lost in a fire. Earlier this year in July 2019 another fire damaged the home further, and a website has been created to help in the restoration of the building.
Ian Thornton successfully combines fiction, fantasy and non-fiction between the covers of his latest novel 'The Deaths and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley'. The first thing you notice is the beautifully designed cover. Thornton could have easily written another book about Crowley's life, Magick and death, like countless other books already out there, but instead he took a different, fictional approach on this topic.
When you begin to read his book, the prologue provides an insight to what the reader can expect within the book. It is Crowley telling the story. Explaining how he faked his own death in 1947 and is alive and well in Shangri-la. As you continue to read, it is sometimes difficult to separate fact from fiction, but that is due to the prowess of the author. I enjoyed the challenge of decoding which was which.
If you are a fan of Crowley, and familiar with his writings, beliefs, good and evil, this may be a slight difficult read, but I highly recommend you stick with it. I thoroughly enjoyed how Ian laid out the chapters, included stories, letters to Crowley and writings by Aleister himself.
In this book, Crowley is alive and well, approaching 130 years old. The writing stays true to what some say was Crowley's personality. He was after all the Great Beast 666. He indulged in sins that others stayed clear of.
If you are a fan of Crowley, and familiar with his writings, beliefs, good and evil, this may be a slight difficult read, but I highly recommend you stick with it. I thoroughly enjoyed how Ian laid out the chapters, included stories, letters to Crowley and writings by Aleister himself.
In this book, Crowley is alive and well, approaching 130 years old. The writing stays true to what some say was Crowley's personality. He was after all the Great Beast 666. He indulged in sins that others stayed clear of.
The paragraphs feature vivid imagery and descriptive sentences that explain the tale of this self proclaimed Satanist. It's a history lesson of Crowley's youth, upbringing and what shaped him the way he was. He indulged in all things scandalous although to him he was just being himself.
Ian utilizes footnotes to further elaborate on explanations, word meanings and translations. It's minimal but valuable. The chapters may be lengthy, but the content doesn't hinder the reader from maintaining interest.
Ian utilizes footnotes to further elaborate on explanations, word meanings and translations. It's minimal but valuable. The chapters may be lengthy, but the content doesn't hinder the reader from maintaining interest.
Having read a lot of Crowley's actual writings myself, it contributed to my enjoyment of this book. It covers the challenges and difficult situations that Aleister had to endure as a young boy and his struggle with Christianity. A chess player and mountain climber, it wasn't until his death that his fan following flourished.
If you're looking for a book about Crowley, although written from an engaging angle, then I recommend picking up this book.
If you're looking for a book about Crowley, although written from an engaging angle, then I recommend picking up this book.
To Purchase from Amazon.ca or Amazon.com.
What others are saying about 'The Deaths and Afterlife of Aleister Crowley' by Ian Thornton:
"Raw, shocking and unsettling, while others may see it as amusing. There is an echo of prayer and scripture that follows the reader. A couple of times I envisioned being in a church alone and hearing these words being hummed around its stone walls as the overpowering incenses tickled my nose. It’s bewitching as you feel incredibly unholy and may wish to shower shortly after you finish, the feeling of being unclean lingers on your skin." E.J. Mackay
"The story could make a more sensitive reader’s toes curl in distaste. But all in all, what a mysterious, wonderful, eclectic journey and drug-fuelled, sex-driven fantasy romp." Cover to Cover
"Some of his exploits, I felt I needed to wash my eyes and brain in Holy water after reading. I can honestly say I have never read a book like it." Always Reading
