How does one build an occult library? This guide is to help build an occult library of rare modern editions. Modern being roughly after 1900. Before one sets out to spend thousands of dollars, the first step is to do some research. Not just of names like Aleister Crowley , Eliphas Levi , Dr. John Dee and the like, but equally important is publishing histories of the respected authors. Becoming familiar with publishers and editions can largely deduce what kind of books, size and quality of your library. Dealing specifically in the occult, you will come across many noted publishers like Samuel Weiser , Aquarian Press , Rider, Llewellyn Publications , Neville Spearman , Steiner Books, Philosophical Research Society , De Lawrence, Yogi Publishing Society, Theosophical Publishing , New Falcon Publications , Routledge Kegan Paul, Unwin Allen, and many others that all specialize in occult and esoteric titles.

Most of these publishers display their logo on the spine on the top or bottom depending, and so are easily filtered when doing a visual search at a book store or library. Assuming you found a book that looks interesting, the first pages to examine are the title page and the copywrite page. This will help give you lots of information about the edition in your hand, and the history of the book. I reccomend not buying anything no matter the impulse. Keep researching until you are familiar with the titles, names and years. This helps train your brain to filter out those items that do not fit the criteria and allow those items to come into view. Eventually you will have developed your intuition to be able to spot items from afar.

Once you are familiar with names, titles, publishers, and editions, then you can consider price. What is the frequency of some titles available? How many variations are there? Which ones are still in print and which ones are exclusively out of print? With esoteric titles you will find some titles are overlapped from different publishers, titles renamed, and some of the information repeated in other books. At this time you should have a clearer idea of what you want in your library, depending on what your intentions are - for reference or practice or both. Practicing occultists will understand the the importance and value of the information in the books, which is one of the reasons these books end up being so prized. They are not only collectible because of their scarcity, but also the information has remained relatively elusive to the common person.

How do you know the information is valuable? Without having to practice all of the ideas in all the books, which would take lifetimes to accomplish. Luckily there are faster ways. The title of "authority" is usually not just doled out to anyone, but are established through practice and experience of their art. So another inportant part of the book is the bibliography. This helps know their references and resources, their inspirations. Many times the edition they referred to will also be listed.

Now you are ready to buy. Start cheap, but with a goal. It is ok to take a chance on an item because that will also help build your intuitive powers. Some collector's buy exclusive to one author or publisher, some like to use the cross-reference technique to help understand an authors point of view. No matter what your likings are, you now have the ability to pick and choose with awareness. Be patient and dont get everything at once (unless your budget allows, but it decreases the fun factor). As you build your collection, you will become more astute of what might be missing in your library and be able to fill it more accurately. If you are on the hunt for, lets say, Aleister Crowley books , one of the best ways to research is by setting up a favorites search and referring to it often as a means of knowing what is available at any given time. Always read the descriptions and conditions of book to determine exactly what you are getting. It is safer, usually, when a picture accompanies the auction.

Lastly, most people that collect these books are usually interested in the subject. So, at the risk of being obvious, it is vastly helpful to actually read the books you have. This does not mean to treat them like a mass market paperback, but handling them with care. I find removing the dustjacket while reading is helpful. Keeping them away from liquids (especially cranbury juice), and other foods that splatter and stain. If you are lucky enough, you might have your own study and so you can have your own rules concerning that room. But reading the books gives you even more knowledge of what is valid information and what is plagiarized or speculative.

So, enjoy your hunt, as that can be the most fun. Working up to the higher end books gives you something to look forward to. I hope this was helpful in your journey.