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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Kenneth Grant
Nov 27 ‘44 e.v.
Aston Clinton Bucks
Dear Sir
Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law.
Yours of 26th duly to hand with cheque: receipt herewith enclosed. The books will go off to-morrow, when I have some one to undertake the 8-mile pilgrimage to the P.O. [Post Office]. You are really very lucky—or deserving—to have so many. Of course there are ever so many more: I wish I had copies myself of I don’t even know how many there ought to be. It is a weird story.
Liber Aleph. There seems to be a curse on this book. It has been ready for the Press ever since 1919 e.v. and always something turns up to prevent the printing. Now, of course, there is less hope than ever. The only solution is to buy a printer, or a share in one big enough to ensure priority. Half a dozen other books, too, all most important and urgent, and I’m helpless. You will find several chapters of Liber א e.g., pp 122-128. It’s maddening! It is such an exciting book!
Look here, I think I’ll take a chance and get my one and only copy typed afresh, though I hate letting it out of my hands even for a day. Would you be willing to pay the typist’s account, and let me have the two carbons—you taking the top copy, of course—for my pains? It would take about 3 weeks, at a guess, and should not cost more than ? 3.0.0. Anyhow, if it should come to more, I’ll pay the excess.
I am sorry to say that there are no copies left of The Book of the Law. It will of course be reprinted at the first opportunity. There is, I believe, an American edition recently printed. You might apply to Mr. K. J. Germer [Karl Germer] 260 West 72nd. St New York City 23.N.Y. U.S.A.
There are some local printers at Ilford, I fancy. Perhaps you could persuade one to cram in a small job like this? If you could, you would indeed “make merit”!
Now with regard to your present position. If I am to assume responsibility, I ought to know a great deal. (1) Have you your horoscope? If so, please send me a copy—Chaldean form preferred. If not, the data: year, month, day & hour as exact as possible, of birth and place. (2) It is useless for me to advise a course which is impossible; so I want to know something of your family, education, occupation, resources &c &c. Are you married? Any children? I’m not being inquisitive; I only want to be able to judge the sort of things that you can do, and that suit you. You’ll understand, I’m sure.
I well know how you feel about the practical side of things: (By the way, are you a Freemason?).
It is very welcome to hear that I am lucid. For years nearly everybody has been kicking me for being obscure. In fact, my new book consists of a series of letters, answering colloquially every kind of question that would occur to any intelligent person. About 70 ready, so far; it will probably run to 100 — Hum — Ha — ? — ?
The more I think things over, the more I feel that the best plan would be for you to run out here & lunch with me. (Marylebone to Aylesbury 9.45 A.M. then bus drops you at the door. Longish journey—you could get a room for the night except at week-ends.) I will send you details of O.T.O. and more about the new book in the meanwhile.
Love is the law, love under will.
Yours sincerely,
Aleister Crowley.
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