Austin Osman Spare: THE BOOK OF PLEASURE
2011 88pp Jerusalem Press 3to hardback. Illustrated. Black cloth with titling in white. Text block slightly wavy else NM in NM dustwrapper.
Ltd.ed. 157/900. Includes small numberd print. 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 reprints all the graphics and half-tone illustrations from a particularly fresh and well printed copy of the first edition, and includes a new reproduction taken original art work. Frontispiece in color features a reworked version of one of the original illustrations. Also, featuring an evocative introduction by Alan Moore, and an illustrated analytical magical essay by Michael Staley.