Some Thoughts on THE DRUG & OTHER STORIES by Aleister Crowley

In furtherance of my quest to understand nineteenth-century supernatural horror literature, I find myself returning to the early twentieth-century and to "The Beast" – Aleister Crowley – and his The Drug & Other Stories.

Bugg saw his mistake, his masses of mistakes. There being but one more to make, he made it; and, finding himself in the frying-pan of discovery, leapt into the fire of things irrevocable and not to be forgotten. His fat, heavy-jowled, coarse face all twitching, he fell on his knees and clasped his hands together. "So you found me out? Don't, don't give away your poor old father, Gertie! My little Gertie!"

An excerpt from "His Secret Sin"

At the door, as carefully stacked as the rest, they found the severed limbs of the Honourable Diana. And in the forest the cheery, ringing thud of his axe led them to Placide Gervez, quietly, manfully chopping.

An excerpt from "The Woodcutter"

She ran gleefully into the laboratory. On the bench stood the basin she had used so often, with the soap and towels neatly at its side. She seized the soap, and plunged both hands into the nearly boiling hydrochloric acid. Then she turned her head to him, her mouth a tragic square, incapable even of uttering even a shriek.

An excerpt from "Professor Zircon"

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The Drug & Other Stories collects Crowley's non-Simon Iff short stories into one volume. This edition, published in 2010 by Wordsworth Editions, is part of the Tales of Mystery and the Supernatural series.[i] The General Editor of this series is David Stuart Davies, a noted expert on Sherlock Holmes. Unlike most other works in this series, the Introduction of this volume is written by William Breeze, an expert in Crowley's works.

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Unlike my previous post on Crowley's writing, which only concerned the Simon Iff tales (link), the tales in this volume are each, a stand-alone tale. Many of these were written throughout the first decades of the twentieth century appear in publication here for the first time.

A significant number of these tales were a challenge to read and at times I found it difficult to follow what was going on. This was due, in large part, to the frequent necessity of needing a background in eastern and western esotericism to fully realize the themes being presented. Not having such a background myself, this collection was a mixed bag for me.

This volume revealed that, as an author, Crowley was a touch melodramatic and rather self-righteous. Especially when trying to make a point against his adversaries. Also, when making a philosophical point via his tales, the situations he created seem a little contrived. In contrast (in this collection), the comedic tales, or the comedic elements in his tales, read like a Monty Python skit – combining physical comedy with sexual innuendo (a telling indicator of the breadth of Crowley's writing skills).

Though written in the early twentieth century, Crowley's tales reflect circumstances from the nineteenth century. For example, in a historical sense, many of Crowley's tales are rooted in the "Victorian Occult Revival" which culminated in 1887 with the formation of the esoteric "Order of the Golden Dawn." In turn, this organization itself was structured on, and created by members of, the Masonic Order – a powerful and secretive body in the age of Queen Victoria.

These tales are mostly set in locales that Crowley had some personal experience: Belle Époque Paris, Edwardian London, pre-revolutionary Russia and America during the years of the First World War.

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In Jo Woolfardis' worthwhile review of this collection, each story is commented upon as I do below.[ii] I wonder if our comments agree or clash?[iii]

List of tales in this collection:

"The Three Characteristics" – A Buddhist-Hindu allegorical tale. Of course, Crowley set himself as the central, heroic figure. Eastern mysticism blended with Crowley's Thelemic philosophy to make this tale entertaining and informative.

I think. . .

"The Wake World" – A strange, allegorical tale explaining the journey through the Tree of Life and the alchemical marriage of C.R.C.

"T’ien Tao" – A farcical and allegorical tale using a faux Far Eastern milieu to impart the teaching that to learn the Tao is to seek equilibrium or balance in all things.

"The Stone of the Philosophers" – A tiresome tale told in poetry and prose. A group of men share their concepts of existence and various other philosophies by the recitation of bad verse.

"The Drug" – This tale fathoms the nature of life and death. The true nature of life being only revealed in death – and vice versa.

"Cancer?" – Fear of cancer caused Bernard to draw a razor across this own throat to spare himself tortuous suffering. One problem though, he has tonsillitis, not throat cancer.

"At the Fork of the Roads" – A short tale describing a magickal attack on a neophyte. Evil to those who do evil.

"The Dream Circean" – Yet another tale told in allegory. An old man tells a tale of when he rescued a beautiful, innocent girl from the cruelty of her mother. Unfortunately, circumstances compel the man to leave her and he never sees her again. He spends the remainder of his life searching. Much later, a great magician teaches him that the girl was not a mere girl, but the Eternal Virgin – an archetypal image.

"Illusion d’Amoureux" – A metaphysical tale of a love between a mortal and a god. At least, I think that's what this quick story is about. . .

"The Soul-Hunter" – An account, taken from his own diary, of a deranged doctor's experiment to search for the human soul.

"The Daughter of the Horseleech" – A quick and humorous metaphysical tale of a dream presenting the quandary formed by giving women the vote.

"The Violinist" – Aside from a creative method of committing murder, I'm not sure what to make of this very short tale.

"The Vixen" – A truly strange, quick tale, about a f0x and a hound. I think, a were-fox and a were-hound. Also, a bit of S & M and blood-play.

Mr. Crowley, I am shocked!

"The Ordeal of Ida Pendragon" – The weird courtship of a frater and soror. They verbally spar over metaphysical points. Through the rituals described and arguments made, Crowley's magickal philosophy is laid bare.

"Apollo Bestows the Violin" – A possible origin to the oracle of Apollo at Delphi.

"Across the Gulf" – A contemporary adept records his memories of a previous life as an Ancient Egyptian priest – how this young boy is trained to assume the role and titles of priestess. Later, rising to the position of High Priest Osiris.

The tale is rich in metaphysical imagery. However, not being a Thelemite (a follower of Crowley's magickal tradition), the meaning behind much of this tale was lost on me.

"His Secret Sin" – Farcical exploration of the usefulness (or lack thereof) of living by a moral code.

"The Woodcutter" – This quick tale packs a punch at the end. The simple life in nature is confounded and indeed perverted when modern philosophy is introduced.

"Professor Zircon" – Jealousy and innocence rarely mix well.

"The Vitriol-Thrower" – Beauty, passion, love, and vengeance. All are part of life. Indeed, necessary for life and necessary to truly live.

"The Testament of Magdalen Blair" – A short story, rich in content. Magdalen is the colleague/wife of a professor. She is a psychic and together, they conduct experiments on her abilities. The husband is dying of illness.

Fully one-third of this story is the prologue, setting the stage. The reader doesn't know it is the prologue, until it ends. In Part 2, the story proper begins. Magdalen reads/interprets his thoughts as he dies. Considering the putrefaction of her husband's body, she realizes the futile meaning of existence, leading her to attempt suicide. She ends up confined in an asylum.

I found this tale to be highly reminiscent of Edgar Allan Poe's "The Facts in the Case of M. Valdemar" – Crowley's Thelemic magical philosophy contrasted against Poe's mesmeric science. And like that tale, more than half of Poe's story is a prologue, catching the reader up to present.

Finally, this tale is described by one commentator as one of "the most terrifying tale ever written."

"Ercildoune" – A novella regarding the history of the Marquisate of Ercildoune. The tale concerns a family, accursed. A muddled and convoluted inheritance. Murder, conspiracy, decapitation, dismemberment and the Rosicrucian brotherhood!

This wild tale bears twists, turns, shocking revelations, new characters, and a final act of contrition.

"The Stratagem" – Two gentlemen, (an Englishman and another), await a train in an isolated station. The "other" shares a cock-and-bull story to put the stuffy Englishman in his place. A witty and sassy tale.

"Lieutenant Finn’s Promotion" – A farcical exposition on the ludicrous nature of the imperial and colonial powers up to World War I. This tale highlights the gross incompetence, graft and corruption that are these powers' military and diplomatic services.

"The Chute" – A strange one. I think this tale is about a success that fails, but in doing so helps a failure to succeed, which in turn aids the previous failing to succeed again.

"A Death Bed Repentance" – Yet another allegorical tale wherein the long debate between the religious and the rational is played out.

"Felo de Se" – A young man contemplating suicide is come upon by an older man, an adept (Crowley himself, perhaps?). The adept supports the decision for suicide through logical arguments and the Thelemite philosophy of "Love Under Will."

As a result, in a surprising turnabout, the young man decides to become a disciple of the adept instead.

A good one, Mr. Crowley.

"The Argument that Took the Wrong Turning" – This tale starts as a polemic against the sin of alcohol abuse and drunkenness. It ends as a condemnation of prohibition!

"Robbing Miss Horniman" – Another befuddling tale. An account of a swindler taking advantage of an elderly woman's wealth. But as it turns out, it is the swindler who is swindled. All's well that ends well.

"Face" – Another strange tale. Status, class racism and eastern mysteries; all are secondary. When love is thwarted, evil may be the result.

"Which Things are an Allegory" – Ummm. . . What? I get the devil in a city of man theme, but. . . what? This tale is made more befuddling by the anachronistic verbiage and indistinct pronouns.

"The Crime of the Impasse de l’Enfant Jésus" – *previously unpublished* – A government informant's bluff is called. He attempts to swindle the government and is successful. Unfortunately, he gets himself murdered in the process.

"Atlantis" – Reminiscent of my commentary on Star (Psi Cassiopeia) (link) in that this novella is very much like a cultural study of Atlantis. Just as most cultural studies, and Star (Psi Cassiopeia), with no plot to speak of, this is a hard read; uncomfortable and tedious.

"The Mysterious Malady" – *previously unpublished* – A young doctor, against all odds, finds love with an heiress. As time passes, he fears she is having a mental breakdown. As it turns out, it is he who suffers from insanity. In the end, he poisons his loving wife and many others. Well-written. Builds suspense very well.

"The Bald Man" – *previously unpublished* – During WWI, a man overcomes his terror and willingly acts to save his army at the cost of his life.

"Black and Silver" – *previously unpublished* – The lesson here is "don't try to swindle a swindler." A wonderful little tale.

"The Humour of Pauline Pepper" – *previously unpublished* – Set in WWI, this comedy of errors calls to my mind the 1969 movie Those Daring Young Men In Their Jaunty Jalopies.

"A Nativity" – *previously unpublished* – A short, sharp shock. Wow! I did not see this one coming.

"Every Precaution" – *previously unpublished* – Just because you are warned of the evil of absinthe, doesn't mean some other evil won't get you.

"God’s Journey" – *previously unpublished* – Even when one is given a second chance, karma can still strike you down; no matter how long it takes.

"The Colour of My Eyes" – *previously unpublished* – A very short tale on how love can "colour" how we see the world around us.

"Dedit!" – *previously unpublished* – Another great one with a zinger. No, a double zinger at the end. The plot is too complicated to comment on. It must be read! One of the best in this collection!

"Colonel Pacton’s Brother" – *previously unpublished* – For a novella, this one has quite the twists and turns. Another example of the swindlers themselves being the ones swindled. All is well that ends well and all is forgiven.

(Except for the one poor, honest man in the story who is killed by a falling elm-tree bough.)

"The Vampire of Vespuccia" – *previously unpublished* – Once again, the conclusion upends the entire tale. Strongly reminiscent of Arthur Conan Doyle's "The Nightmare Room."

"As You Were!" – *previously unpublished* – Another tale in the vein of "don't try to swindle a swindler." However, this time with a twist. Especially when those swindling the swindler are themselves being swindled.

"Only a Dog" – *previously unpublished* – Sometimes what is a small thing to one, can be the tipping point to another.

"The Virgin" – *previously unpublished* – What just happened? What did I just read?

"A Masque" – *previously unpublished* – Another tale that mystified me. The happenings are clear but the meaning behind them elude me.

"The Escape" – *previously unpublished* – A rather pointed comment on the supposed death-defying adventures of mountain climbers and those who listen to those accounts.

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My comments in this post are based on the 2010 edition of The Drug & Other Stories exclusively. In 2015, Wordsworth Editions published a revised and expanded second edition.

This new edition includes five additional tales and, consequently, is about fifty pages longer. These tales are, in order of appearance and initial publication information:

"Ambrosii Magi Hortus Rosarum." Collected Works, Volume 2, 1906.

"The Murder in X Street." February 15, 22, 29 and March 7, 1908 editions of What's On.

"The Electric Silence." The Equinox, Volume 1, No. VI. September 1911.

"The Professor and the Plutocrat." The International, October 1917. Written under pseudonym.

"The Ideal Idol." The International, April 1918. Written under pseudonym.

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On completion of my reading of The Drug & Other Stories, I had a real sense of accomplishment. Even though many of the stories were enjoyable and witty, I was relieved when turning the last page. A reviewer of Crowley's Simon Iff collection from Wordsworth referred to The Drug & Other Stories as "...exhaustion-inducing..."

A most apt description.

References

Print Resources

Crowley, Aleister. The Drug & Other Stories. Wordsworth Editions: Hertfordshire, 2010.

Digital Resources

Online Resources

Andresen, Mark. "The Drug and Other Stories by Aleister Crowley, Wordsworth Editions." The Pan Review. 26 February 2011. Accessed 24 April 2017. http://panreview.blogspot.com/2011/02/drug-and-other-stories-by-aleister.html

Dem Bones. "Aleister Crowley - The Drug & Others." Vault Of Evil: Brit Horror Pulp Plus! 22 August 2010. Accessed 24 April 2017. http://vaultofevil.proboards.com/thread/3886/aleister-crowley-drug

Dem Bones. " Aleister Crowley - The Simon Iff Stories." Vault Of Evil: Brit Horror Pulp Plus! 27 April 2012. Accessed 02 May 2017. http://vaultofevil.proboards.com/thread/4743/aleister-crowley-simon-iff-stories

Flood, Alison. "Unseen Aleister Crowley writings reveal 'short-story writer of the highest order'." The Guardian. 15 October 2015. Accessed 07 May 2017. https://www.theguardian.com/books/2015/oct/15/unseen-aleister-crowley-writings-short-story-the-drug

Monaco, Mike. "The drug and other stories (part of 1 of maybe 2)." Swords & Dorkery. 7 December 2012. Accessed 24 April 2017. https://mikemonaco.wordpress.com/2012/12/07/the-drug-and-other-stories-part-of-1-of-maybe-2/

"The Aleister Crowley Bibliography Project." The 100th Monkey Press. Accessed 01 May 2017.

https://www.100thmonkeypress.com/biblio/acrowley/downloads/downloads_ac.htm

Woolfardis, Jo. "The Drug and Other Stories." Goodreads.

14 January 2016. Accessed 13 May 2017.

https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1412330934

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[i] A fine series of reprints and collections which, as I have stated in previous posts, I wholeheartedly endorse.

[ii] Woolfardis, Jo. "The Drug and Other Stories." Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/review/show/1412330934

[iii] Together with a few comments and observations I thought pertinent.