The Book of Pleasure (Self-Love): The Psychology of Ecstasy

First published in 1913, this magical book is resplendent with full page symbolist illustrations that represent some of the artist’s most corrosive and beautiful draughtsmanship. It is also festooned with examples of his automatic drawings and sigils, this work has established Spare as a formidable and unique figure in twentieth century western magic.

This edition includes the original 1913 introduction by Ernest H.R.Collings and the 1975 introduction by Kenneth Grant.

Fine Image Reproduction:

This edition reprints all the graphics and half-tone illustrations from a particularly fresh and well printed copy of the first edition. Illustrated endpapers and divider pages feature photomontages of the original book, overprinted with designs by Spare in silk varnish.

We have also located an original art work from the book and include a new reproduction for inclusion in this edition.

A re-worked version of one of the original illustrations is also featured, alongside Mr Staley’s eulogy to Kenneth Grant and his relationship with this book.