The Book of the Law by Aleister Crowley (1987, Paperback, Reissue)

Liber AL vel Legis is the central sacred text of Thelema, written by Aleister Crowley in Cairo, Egypt in the year 1904. Its full title is Liber AL vel Legis, sub figura CCXX, as delivered by XCIII=418 to DCLXVI, and it is commonly referred to as The Book of the Law.

Liber AL vel Legis contains three chapters, each of which was written down in one hour, beginning at noon, on April 8, April 9, and April 10. Crowley claims that the author was an entity named Aiwass, whom he later referred to as his personal Holy Guardian Angel (or "Higher Self"). Biographer Lawrence Sutin quotes private diaries that fit this story, and writes that "if ever Crowley uttered the truth of his relation to the Book," his public account accurately describes what he remembered on this point. The teachings within this small book are expressed as the Law of Thelema, usually encapsulated by these two phrases:

* "Do what thou wilt shall be the whole of the Law" (AL I:40) and
* "Love is the law, love under will" (AL I:57)

The original title of the book was Liber L vel Legis. Crowley retitled it Liber AL vel Legis in 1921, when he also gave the handwritten manuscript the title Liber XXXI.The book is often referred to simply as Liber AL, Liber Legis or just AL, though technically the latter two refer only to the manuscript.

I'm really happy with the copy of The Book of the Law that I bought. It is a smaller copy so it doesn't take up a lot of room and the text is still big enough that it's easy to read in any lighting. The book was in perfect shape when I got it. There was no markings or damage to the book at all. I also recieved the book after about four days of paying for it. I was very happy overall and will purchase from this user again.

A very good starter book for someone new to Crowley's work. Crowley's words are meant more for an open minded audience, but if it is something that interests you, then this is a must have.

There is no law beyond Do what thou wilt.
Love is the law, love under will.

1. Had! The manifestation of Nuit.
2. The unveiling of the company of heaven.
3. Every man and every woman is a star.
4. Every number is infinite; there is no difference.
5. Help me, o warrior lord of Thebes, in my unveiling before the Children of men!
6. Be thou Hadit, my secret centre, my heart & my tongue!
7. Behold! it is revealed by Aiwass the minister of Hoor-paar-kraat.
8. The Khabs is in the Khu, not the Khu in the Khabs.
9. Worship then the Khabs, and behold my light shed over you!