The Necronomicon Files

by Harms, Daniel; Gonce, John Wisdom, III

• ISBN13: 9781892389039
• ISBN10: 1892389037
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 1999-06-01
• Publisher: Nightshade Book

Summary

Necronomicon -- a mere glance at its pages sends its readers shrieking into the night, their soul seared for all eternity! At least that's what people want you to believe ... Thank goodness authors Daniel Harms and John Wisdom Gonce III set the record straight in this scholarly yet accessible history of the dreaded tome. The Necronomicon Files is an incredibly comprehensive guide to the Necronomicon that covers all aspects, legends, and factual history surrounding this nefarious book. From a complete history of the book as it evolved in the Cthulhu mythos started by Lovecraft and continued by others, to contemporary editions now available to the public. From appearances and references in movies and other media, to the actual magical concepts behind the fictional and published Necronomicon variants. Much more than just a dry, factual account, Harms's and Gonce's deep knowledge in their respective fields of interest bring the history and continuing influence of the Necronomicon alive with wit and verve. Humorous and intriguing, this compassionate examination of the Necronomicon is a thorough repudiation of the myths surrounding it, yet preserves much of the romance and fascination associated with the legend. Book jacket.

Author Biography

Daniel Harms is an anthropologist who studies magic in modern society John Wisdom Gonce III is a Neo-Pagan and practicing occultist who occasionally works with law enforcement on occult-related crimes and also counsels victims of destructive cults

Table of Contents

Preface: The Necronomicon--Shadow in the Mind	p. ix
Introduction	p. xv
Initiation	p. xx
Acknowledgments	p. xxiv
The Necronomicon and Literature
H. P. Lovecraft and the Necronomicon	p. 3
"Many a Quaint and Curious Volume ...": The Necronomicon Made Flesh	p. 29
Evaluating Necronomicon Rumors	p. 61
The Necronomicon and Occultism
The Evolution of Sorcery: A Brief History of Modern Magick	p. 71
Lovecraftian Magick--Sources and Heirs	p. 85
A Plague of Necronomicons	p. 127
Simon, Slater, and the Gang: True Origins of the Necronomicon	p. 173
The Chaos of Confusion	p. 197
The Necronomicon and Psychic Attack	p. 215
The Necronomicon and Entertainment
Unspeakable Cuts: The Necronomicon on Film	p. 225
Call of the Cathode Ray Tube: The Necronomicon on Television	p. 281
Conclusion	p. 297
History of the Necronomicon	p. 303
Endnotes	p. 307
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