Aleister Crowley

White Stains (eBook, ePUB)

Enriched edition. Exploring Taboo Desires: Provocative Poetry by a Dark Visionary
Kommentar: Davenport, Helena / Redaktion: Good Press

• Format: ePub

Produktbeschreibung

In "White Stains," Aleister Crowley crafts a provocative and unconventional exploration of sexuality, spirituality, and the complexities of desire. Written in a richly poetic style that fuses lyrical elegance with explicit content, the text navigates the often-taboo aspects of human experience while drawing from various literary influences including the decadent movement and Symbolist poetry. Crowley's work defies simple categorization, blending autobiography with fictive narratives that paint a portrait of the inner conflicts surrounding love and lust in the early 20th century. The book's controversial nature positions it firmly within the avant-garde literary landscape of its time, challenging societal norms and expectations. Aleister Crowley, often referred to as the "Wickedest Man in the World," was a key figure in the occult and mystical movements of the 20th century. His wide-ranging interests in philosophy, magic, and esotericism, combined with his unabashed exploration of the human psyche, significantly influenced the themes present in "White Stains." Crowley's personal experiences and his defiance of Victorian morality shaped his views on sexuality, allowing him to confront issues often deemed unworthy of discussion in his day. I highly recommend "White Stains" to readers interested in the intersections of literature, sexuality, and mysticism. Crowley's daring insights and vivid imagery make the text a thought-provoking journey into the depths of desire and the complexities of human psychology. This work not only serves as a fascinating artifact of its era but also resonates with contemporary discussions about sexuality and identity. In this enriched edition, we have carefully created added value for your reading experience: - A succinct Introduction situates the work's timeless appeal and themes. - The Synopsis outlines the central plot, highlighting key developments without spoiling critical twists. - A detailed Historical Context immerses you in the era's events and influences that shaped the writing. - An Author Biography reveals milestones in the author's life, illuminating the personal insights behind the text. - A thorough Analysis dissects symbols, motifs, and character arcs to unearth underlying meanings. - Reflection questions prompt you to engage personally with the work's messages, connecting them to modern life. - Hand-picked Memorable Quotes shine a spotlight on moments of literary brilliance. - Interactive footnotes clarify unusual references, historical allusions, and archaic phrases for an effortless, more informed read.

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Produktdetails

• Verlag: Good Press
• Seitenzahl: 90
• Erscheinungstermin: 21. Dezember 2023
• Englisch
• ISBN-13: 8596547785125
• Artikelnr.: 69542750

Autorenporträt

Aleister Crowley was an English occultist, ceremonial magician, poet, painter, novelist, and mountaineer. He founded the religion of Thelema, identifying himself as the prophet entrusted with guiding humanity into the Æon of Horus in the early 20th century. Born to a wealthy Plymouth Brethren family in Royal Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, Crowley rejected this fundamentalist Christian faith to pursue an interest in Western esotericism. He was educated at the University of Cambridge, where he focused his attentions on mountaineering and poetry, resulting in several publications. In 1898 he joined the esoteric Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn, where he was trained in ceremonial magic by Samuel Liddell MacGregor Mathers and Allan Bennett. Moving to Boleskine House by Loch Ness in Scotland, he went mountaineering in Mexico with Oscar Eckenstein, before studying Hindu and Buddhist practices in India. He married Rose Edith Kelly and in 1904 they honeymooned in Cairo, Egypt, where Crowley claimed to have been contacted by a supernatural entity named Aiwass, who provided him with The Book of the Law, a sacred text that served as the basis for Thelema. Announcing the start of the Æon of Horus, The Book declared that its followers should adhere to the code of "Do what thou wilt" and seek to align themselves with their Will through the practice of magick. After an unsuccessful attempt to climb Kanchenjunga and a visit to India and China, Crowley returned to Britain, where he attracted attention as a prolific author of poetry, novels, and occult literature. In 1907, he and George Cecil Jones co-founded a Thelemite order, the A¿A¿, through which they propagated the religion. After spending time in Algeria, in 1912 he was initiated into another esoteric order, the German-based Ordo Templi Orientis (O.T.O.), rising to become the leader of its British branch, which he reformulated in accordance with his Thelemite beliefs. In 1920 he established the Abbey of Thelema, a religious commune in Cefalù, Sicily where he lived with various followers. His libertine lifestyle led to denunciations in the British press, and the Italian government evicted him in 1923. He divided the following two decades between France, Germany, and England, and continued to promote Thelema until his death.