Liber Oz (Liber LXXVII) By Aleister Crowley
Privately Printed First Edition Thus - a single sheet folded once
RARE first U.S. edition of Crowley’s "Liber Oz," also known as "Book 77," was published by Agape Lodge No. 2 in early 1942 and was issued under Karl Germer’s reign as head of O.T.O lodge in Hollywood. Lodge no. 2 was a historic local body of Ordo Templi Orientis in Los Angeles active from 1935 until 1949. They were known for attracting initiates through advertising and hosting regular meetings, lectures, and social events, including a Gnostic Mass open to the public.
This single-page declaration outlines the fundamental rights of individuals from the perspective of Thelema. Written during World War II, the war influenced Crowley’s emphasis on individual rights and freedoms, as he opposed the violations of human liberties under totalitarian regimes. "Liber Oz" holds a prominent place in Thelemic literature and is referenced in various key texts of Thelema. Its principles align with the central themes of personal liberty and self-realization that are foundational to Thelemic philosophy.
The first page serves as the title page and includes an O.T.O. lamen. Beneath this, it states, "Published by the O.T.O. from The Sanctuary of the Gnosis, which is in the Valley of Los Angeles." and features the “talismanic date” Anno Ixv Sol at 0 degrees Capricorn, which corresponds to December 22, 1941, although it was most likely issued early in 1942. The second page features the tarot trump design by Frieda Harris, marking what is presumably its first publication, as it predates both the release of the Book of Thoth and the publication of the Tarot cards. The facing page contains the text of Liber Oz, while the fourth page is blank.
This edition represents one of the first printings of Crowley's Liber Oz, which is a concise and lyrical statement of the core beliefs of Thelema. For Crowley's reaction to this specific printing, refer to Martin P. Starr's "The Unknown God," page 269.
Condition: This sheet has a crease down the middle, as shown in the photo. It is a clean copy in very good condition.