Gorgeous purple cloth boards with gilt device & title. Crisp & Tight Fine condition! From the publisher at time of release: Hardback 104pp Some diagrams. Printed to archival quality using the Giclée process (usually used for reproducing fine art prints) on 148gsm Mohawk paper chosen for its pleasant “feel” and texture. The sheets of the book are folded by hand, hand sewn, and finally hand bound, the front board being blocked with title and symbolic design using genuine gold, rather than an imitation gold coloured shiny foil. Given the subject matter, the use of a pretend gold would seem inappropriate. The cloth used is a subtle purple/blue, which harmonises with the violet-plum endpapers and the restrained and occasional use of purple in diagrams, all appropriate to the kabbalistic resonances of the book. Given its central importance to Crowley’s exposition of OTO sex magick, it is curious that chapter 36 of the Book of Lies, the Star Sapphire has received relatively little attention. It is interesting that Crowley wrote the text before he was initiated into the Sanctuary of Gnosis of the OTO. Ironically, the author of this new volume makes it clear that he or she has not, nor has ever been, an initiate of any OTO. He, or she, does succeed in making the deeply enigmatic text comprehensible, and describes the magical symbolic processes referred to, using their representation in the trumps of the Crowley Thoth tarot. He (or she) also gives detailed and practical advice (with diagrams) as to how these principles may be realised in acts of physical sexual magic that enflesh the ritual and that allows preparation of the sacrament. The book is clearly written and eschews mystification. As already mentioned the author clearly states that he or she is not party to any secret or initiated teachings – a position shared by Crowley when he wrote the Star Sapphire – so no oaths of secrecy are being broken. Care has also been taken not to infringe any Crowley copyrights.