Title: An Occult Masterwork
Product review: This unusual book, which many Crowley readers don't even know exists, highlights the author's unique genius. In many respects, Crowley's is a perfectly legitimate, sturdy translation of the ancient Chinese wisdom book. Yet Crowley is able to add just the right wrinkle to its words to subtly infuse it with his "do what thou wilt" philosophy. I wouldn't advise making this version the only Tao Te Ching translation on your shelf -- for that look to Jonathan Star and some of the other master translators. But alongside the existing Tao literature, this is a fascinating and masterful supplement. For Crowley readers, it is a must. And due to its accessibility, this work may even be a good introduction to the nature of Crowley himself. In any case, it shows his intellectual and artistic mastery, not only of occult and esoteric wisdom, but also of poetic form and interpretive art.
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