Crowley (Aleister) Thumbs Up!, number 32 of 100 copies signed by the author, this copy with …

Crowley (Aleister) Thumbs Up!, first edition, first issue, number 32 of 100 copies signed by the author, this copy with presentation inscription from the author "To Guy Knowles, Known in the Secret Conclaves as G. K., from his old companion-on-the-hoof a.c., known in the Arcane Aeropagus as Aleister Crowley. In memory of unfading Himalayan splendour" to limitation p., portrait frontispiece of the author tipped onto verso of upper wrapper (frontispiece with spotting and repaired tear to head, likely remounted), errata slip tipped in at front, light patch of browning to title, original stitched wrappers, light toning to covers, some light damp-staining, [York 42a], Published by the O. T. O., 1941. ⁂ An excellent association copy inscribed to a companion on Crowley's failed expedition to climb K2. The expedition to climb K2 in 1902 was unfortunately unsuccessful although the party reached further than any before them and set several altitude endurance records in doing so. The expedition was beset by bad weather as well as the party suffering from a multitude of physical (Crowley had recurring bouts of malaria) and psychological ailments. Crowley's eccentricities including his decision to bring a substantial poetry library with him did not help matters; at one point Crowley threatened Knowles with a large revolver but was disarmed by the rest of the party. Knowles kept the revolver for the rest of his life as a memento of the extraordinary episode.