BOOK REVIEWS
I have dispensed with my 'Books of the Year' postings which covered the years 2009 and 2010, and now attempt to review a selection of books that I have read both good and bad, in editions old and new. Much of what I buy is often based on suggestions by others, or some train of thought that makes me think "maybe I should try..." so they are not necessarily all strange/supernatural fiction.
With many small press books costing around £35-£40 each, and some seemingly worthy tomes changing hands on the second hand market for many times that, these reviews may also give the potential purchaser some indication of what they might receive for their money. Needless to say, my opinions should not be given any great value as I bring my own foibles to every review and these may change at any time.
'Abraxas'
International Journal of Esoteric Studies
Issue Two
(Fulgur 2011)
Large format 200+pp and free CD £30.00
Fulgur Press specialize in issuing books of an occult nature, especially relating to that superb artist, Austin Osman Spare. Their books are wonderfully produced and this annual journal is no exception.
'Esoteric Studies' roughly equates to the terms 'magic and mysticism' and it certainly helps if one is vaguely conversant with these areas as some of the pieces are quite intimidating in their terminology; "I have produced a smaller series based on the descriptions of the Rulers of the Qliphoth given in Liber ARARITA. And another will illustrate Levi's Ten Philosophers of Decadence. I have also began shadow-kuts for a BABALON book..." (from the Barry William Hale interview).
Luckily the less esoterically knowledgeable (or dare one say 'inclined') are well served by some very readable items. These include excellent essays on Ira Cohen especially (but not exclusively) commenting on his Mylar based photos (beautifully reproduced in full colour), a illustrated piece on Brion Gysin, a lengthy interview with musician Adi Newton of T.A.G.C. by Jack Sargeant and a fascinating account by John Crabb on his work preparing a definitive text of Robert Graves' 'The White Goddess'.
There are also good selections of artworks and poetry by the known, Peter Redgrove, Ithell Colquhoun and Mark Titchner to the less-known (to myself at least) including the mysterious artworks of Christina Francov. Given Fulgurs general remit one is unsuprised by the high quality of their choices- they have an eye for the unusual.
The best piece is Alan Moores lengthy essay 'Fossil Angels' in which he tears into virtually every occult 'system' ever created suggesting that the neophyte seeking illumination should reject those methods (and thus the baggage that comes with them) and instead use art (any sort of art) to develop ones own voice/ direction. It is very powerfully and wittily done with an urgency that fair drags the reader along in its wake. It is by far the best thing I have read by him.
This issue also comes with a CD of what one might call 'esoterically inclined' music. Of the thirteen artists most are, sad to say, quite uninspiring. Scraped violins, rumbles, drones and murky lyrics that may perhaps have some magic(k)al import seem to be largely the order of the day. Even Arktau Eos a superb collective to witness live, seem to be treading water on this disc. However fast forward to the last two tracks for TAGCs beautiful, shimmering driftwork and Cyclobes melancholy structured piano, voice, and God knows what else, extract from their excellent 'Wounded Galaxies Tap At The Window' lp.
Although somewhat pricey, this is journal has much that should be of interest to lovers of the odd. It is certainly a handsome beast, and for those who want to go the extra mile there is a special h/b edition with a signed print. Both are available via the link here.
