I should like to begin this review by stating that the new English Translation of Abramelin is certainly a remarkable achievement, and the publisher, Ibis Press, the compiler, George Dehn and the translator Steve Guth are to be congratulated on accomplishing it.
The Book of Abramelin holds a special place in the world of magic, as it deals with magical spells and a system of theurgic self-development suitable to the 1400's, and more likely honored in theory than ever actually followed in practice. After the translation into English by Samuel L. MacGregor Mathers, from the French manuscript he discovered in the Library of the Ar4senal at Paris, the 'Book of Abramelin' quickly gained the reputation of being one of the most potent and magical works ever encountered by man. Of course, it is actually no such thing.
In the S. L. MacGregor Mathers translation, his Victorian, Masonic and established church orientation toward all forms of magical practice shows through. He even couched the text in words reminiscent of the King James Version of the Bible.
This new translation has been accomplished through the efforts of a member of the rock and roll generation, who is a Green Party man, a liberal pacifist and an omnivorous intellect. It is more than just a refreshing change from the Victorian text of Mathers. The new translation is a joy to read, regardless of your beliefs, preconceptions or prejudices concerning the nature or potency of this work.
This new translation also removes the veil of negativity, mystery and fear that has long been falsely cast over the book. This veil of evil reputation, in his early years even affected the writer of the most interesting introduction, the well known American ceremonial magician, Lon MIlo DuQuette.
The new translation although bringing with it some of the problems of the old at least has a useful forward and introduction as well as a full explanation of the origins and nature of the texts from which it was complied. The German publication of this translation, done several years ago, only whetted the appetite of those of us who had no German, or only a limited ability to understand the language. The publication of the translation into English will certainly fill that void.
This English translation is much improved over the one done by Mathers, not even considering the material dealing with the long and studious searching for texts, and the compiler's likely successful search for the remote desert habitant of the elusive Abramelin himself. A result of more than twenty years effort, the present volume has a great deal more meat to it, and a great deal more authority behind it than the hundred year old MacGregor Mathers Version. There is an additio9nal chapter including German folk spells, which was part of the original German manuscript.
A copy of this new translation certainly belongs in every serious magicians library.