** Review in Progress **

First, the edition itself receives ***** for its design and clarity of print. Perhaps it would have been better, however, if the works were presented in chronological order. But perhaps that wouldn't compel one to go on reading...

Diary of a Drug Fiend **
This should be called "Diary of Two Drug Fiends" since it concerns a former World War I pilot, Sir Peter, who has come into great wealth through an inheritance and his love, Lou, whom he meets at a party. He and she then proceed to consume more cocaine than Al Pacino's Scarface and much more heroin to boot. Along the way, they encounter various friends and acquaintances, some of whom try to take advantage of them. Looming behind it all is King Lamus--a stand-in for Crowley himself--who keeps telling them "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the law." The book has three sections, with Sir Peter narrating the first and last, and Lou narrating the middle part, where things hit rock bottom for the couple (they even try to conjure up demons). This is no "Requiem for a Dream", however, because King Lamus offers salvation if only they can learn to listen to him and adopt his religion of Thelema! Perhaps the world would have been a better place if Crowley's made-up religion occupied the space later assumed by L. Ron Hubbard's made-up religion, but that is a subject for a long, long book. In any case, "Diary of a Drug Field" is overwritten, melodramatic, and full of some of the most ridiculous dialogue (and even more ridiculous poetry) you have ever encountered. Still, it is a bit of fun, and as a way to experience Crowley's philosophy (and his high opinion of himself), perhaps it is better than his more 'serious' works. If it were about 100 pages shorter, it would be a better book by far. There's nothing else like it, however, that I know of at this point.