Armed with Madness

London: Wishart & Company, 1928.
First Edition.

22cm x 16cm. [viii], 225 pages, 3 plates. Original blue cloth, gilt lettering, top edge gilt.

Experimental novel based on the myth of the Holy Grail. A one time student of Aleister Crowley, Butts is credited as a co-author of the 1912 Magick (Book 4). In 1921 she spent time at Crowley’s Abbey of Thelema, not enjoying her stay, and departing with a drug habit. Armed with Madness explores the relationships (including homoeroticism and bisexuality) and ritualism among a group of young bohemians living at a country home. Considered a masterpiece of Modernist prose. One of 100 numbered copies of the Deluxe Edition on handmade paper with illustrations by Jean Cocteau.

Spine discoloured and with a some small patches of light rubbing. Minor tanning to endpapers, with previous owner’s initials to front free endpaper. Small soil to margin of page 160, and to tail margin of the final plate and facing page. Very Good Condition.

AU$3,250.00

1 in stock