The Shadow of the Golden Fire

by David Murgatroyd

West Yorkshire: The Executors of the Estate of David H. Murgatroyd

ND, [1989]

First Edition

With handwritten label to front wrap that reads "Compliments of D. H. Murgatroyd Executors".

Octavo, 138 pages, publisher's original pictorial wraps. A few black and white illustrations. Some rubbing and wear, else in very good + condition.

David Murgatroyd was a magician active in West Yorkshire from the 1960s to the 1980s. His magical practice was based on a personal grimoire with a detailed origin story involving an ancestor, the Rosicrucian publishers of the original Lamp of Thoth, and magical traditions tracing back to Michael Scot in the 13th century. Murgatroyd's magic incorporated the use of narcotic fumigations and tarot cards to induce magical effects. He was acquainted with many of the founders of Chaos Magic, who resided in the same region, although his practice differed in its strong adherence to tradition. Despite this, Murgatroyd's influence on Chaos Magic is evident, albeit with a distinct flavor. Some may speculate that practitioners of Chaos Magic learned from Murgatroyd the concept that effective magical systems, along with their associated allure and historical origins, can be intentionally crafted. However, it raises the question of where Murgatroyd himself acquired this insight. His grimoire, containing his teachings, remains unpublished. Following his instructions, the executors of his estate published this book, which has since become extremely rare.

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