Foundation & Earth
by Isaac Asimov
***
Three stars for the idea and the ending, but it took a very long to get there. This novel probably should have been much shorter.
Penumbræ: An Occult Fiction Anthology
by Richard Gavin, Patricia Cram, and Daniel A. Schulke
***
Worth the read to see how different fiction and non-fiction authors tackle occult fiction in general. Gavin's tale and Kenneth Grant's contribution stand out.
Sylvan Dread: Tales of Pastoral Darkness
by Richard Gavin
***
Very nice collection of short stories by Gavin. As with any collection, you get a variety of themes and some work better than others, but overall, a worthy read.
Foundation's Edge
by Isaac Asimov
****
The first Foundation book to actually be a full novel instead of a collection. Several fully fleshed out characters and a concise narrative from start to finish. Asimov wraps up the story nicely at the end.
Frankenstein: Or the Modern Prometheus
by Mary Shelley
*****
Not much I can add to the discourse on this classic.
I:MAGE: Traveling with Unfamiliar Spirits
by Robert Ansell, et al.
****
Fulgur's second esoteric art exhibition catalog. A little more robust than the first one. Same high quality, with some additional text.
I:MAGE: An Inaugural Exhibition of Esoteric Artists
by Robert Ansell, et al.
****
Exhibition catalog for Fulgur's inaugural esoteric art show. High quality reproductions accompanied by informative descriptions.
The Fourth and Fifth Pyramids
by Jesse Bransford
*****
Wonderful notebook—expertly packaged by Fulgur Limited—presenting many of Bransford's working concepts in esoteric art.
The Dream Quest of Unknown Kadath
by H.P. Lovecraft
***
Fascinating concept, but feels like Randolph Carter is walking in circles for the majority of the novella. Four star ending since the confrontation is worth the wait.
Black Mirror 2: elsewhere
by Robert Ansell, et al.
****
The final volume despite originally intended to be 12 volumes. Concludes strong with many fine analyses of esoteric art.
Black Mirror 1: embodiment
by Robert Ansell, et al.
***
The second volume of this series. A little too ambitious this time around with several elongated analyses and some essays that struggled.
Legion 49
by Barry William Hale
*****
Fantastically devised occult ritual and art book, detailing Beelzebub's Legion in an expressive way that only Barry William Hale can. The paper cutout design and symmetry is amazing.
Second Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
*****
Two stories in one again. The best entry in the entire series. Asimov weaves an intricate conspiracy to bring the Second Foundation out on top.
Foundation and Empire
by Isaac Asimov
***
Effectively two stories in one: The fall of Empire (and rise of the Foundation), followed by the conquest of the Mule. The Empire story pales in comparison to the Mule. Still a great book.
Imago: Body. Vision. Magick.
by Robert Allen
*****
The significance of image and imagination written by somebody well-version in art, theater, dance, and the esoteric. Short, but phenomenally well done. Speaks from experience.
Foundation
by Isaac Asimov
****
The classic. Asimov is dialog-centric rather than action-centric, but his books are captivating. There is a significant distillation of knowledge here wrapped in an entertaining science fiction story.
The Cult of the Black Cube: A Saturnian Grimoire
by Arthur Moros
****
Well-written, well-researched (albeit short) excursion into left-hand path, Saturnian magick. Moros is a pseudonym. Follows the typical pattern of some of Theion's earlier books: research quality, mysterious writer, chthonic atmosphere.
The Fool
by Michael Staley
***
Chapbook with expert analysis on the Fool card from the Tarot. Comes with a specially designed card. Always appreciate Staley's writing—wish he would write more.
Son of Prometheus: The Life and Work of Josephin Peladan
by Sasha Chaitow
****
Published doctoral thesis on Josephin Peladan—Rosicrucian and symbolist. Excellent, detailed research and analysis.
A Book of Staves
by Jesse Bransford
*****
A collection of Icelandic "spells" based on Jesse Bransford's travels in Iceland—wonderfully created with graphite and watercolor.
The Yellow Wallpaper
by Charlotte Perkins Gilman
****
Quality short story detailing madness as it erupts inside of the narrator—although the ending leave much open to interpretation.
Black Mirror 0: territory
by Robert Ansell, et al.
***
Introductory issue of the occult art journal. Some quality analysis, but you can tell it's trying to find its footing.
Tartaros: On the Orphic and Pythagorean Underworld, and the Pythagorean Pentagram
by Johan August Alm
****
Incredible first two parts that detail the likely history, beliefs, and influence of Pythagoreanism. The third part is highly speculative and falls apart in places, but overall one of the best books on Pythagorean mysteries that moves from historical to speculative to practical. Excellent research.
Ancient Mysteries Reader III
by R. Christopher Abel, Samuel Langdon, & Edwin S. Potter
***
Read for The Pythagorean Brotherhood. Good summary of the history of the Pythagorean society.
Kenneth Grant: A Bibliography
by Henrik Bogdan
****
You won't likely ever get a full _biography_ of the elusive and private Kenneth Grant, but the man _was_ his written word, and a bibliography is as much a representation of the man as his life history. Bogdan does some truly scholary work here.
Servants of the Star & the Snake
by Henrik Bogdan
****
A truly well-rounded analysis of the impact of Kenneth Grant by those who knew him and/or studied him laboriously. This collection of essays not only provides something for those well-versed in Grant's Typhonian Tradition, but also acts as an accessible introduction to Grant's work for those stumped by his verbosity.
The Infernal Masque
by Richard Gavin
****
A strong follow-up to The Benighted Path that details the dream wanderings of the soul and the numerous depths it can travel. Gavin discusses aspects of liminal being that are mostly avoided or forgotten in modern religion, but play a large part in ancient cultures.
The Vodou Quantum Leap
by Dr. Reginald Crowsley, M.D.
****
Someone on Goodreads summarized it as "completely batshit crazy" and gave it 5 stars. That's accurate. This is 5 star material, but given 4 stars because of a lack of cohesion and flow in some parts.
The Benighted Path: Primeval Gnosis and the Monsterous Soul
by Richard Gavin
*****
Gavin lends his skill with prose to this wonderful excursion into the "dark way" that leads with pragmatic exploration while invalidating many misconceptions on night consciousness. The exploration of Medusa is particularly excellent.