Simon (1) (1950–)

Some have derided this as a clumsy hoax; I feel it more clever than that as a jester-like poke in the eye to the New Age attitude of the contemporary '70s when it emerged. Any clumsiness comes in by grafting together H.P. Lovecraft and Aleister Crowley in an attempt to give a basis and occult ideology to this imagined tome. Actually, just enjoy it as a celebration of occult aesthetic. Trying to put this in an historical context is like trying to translate asemic writing. It misses the show more entertaining point...

Also, the incantations ring untrue when compared to actual historical examples, such as that found in A Treasury of Witchcraft.

...I would give this four or even five starts in a presentation and binding to allow one to linger over and take in each page leisurely. This is not appropriate for the mass market paperback format. show less

In the past 31 years, there has been a lot of ink—actual and virtual—spilled on the subject of the Necronomicon. Some have derided it as a clumsy hoax; others have praised it as a powerful grimoire. As the decades have passed, more information has come to light both on the book's origins and discovery, and on the information contained within its pages. The Necronomicon has been found to contain formula for spiritual trans-formation, consistent with some of the most ancient mystical show more processes in the world, processes that were not public knowledge when the book was first published, processes that involve communion with the stars. In spite of all the controversy, the first edition sold out before it was published. And it has never been out of print since then. This year, the original designer of the 1977 edition and the original editor have joined forces to present a new, deluxe hardcover edition of the most feared, most reviled, and most desired occult book on the planet. show less

This book has nothing whatsoever to do with HP Lovecraft or Al-Azif. It takes some Derlethian names and concepts and combines them with Sumerian mythology and Thelemic/grimoire magic. I've used it a few times when I wanted to BS a magickal ceremony or a sigil, but beyond that it's pretty much useless - not even a very good read.

One interpretation of a few works, and some Biblical passages taken out of context, without any referential information other than phrases and passages the author provides. But an interesting and thought provoking read, nonetheless.