The Queen’s Conjuror, subtitled “The Life and Magic of Dr. Dee” by Benjamin Woolley is a book about, well, Dr. John Dee. And it’s really true to the subtitle, as the whole volume tracks no only the life of the famous occultist and alchemyst, but we have also a chance to glimpse into the other spirit world through his adventures with skrying with the help of other famous person in this venture, Edward Kelley. Or do we?
My friend and a true spaghetti western connosieur Mike Hauss published the second volume of his new publication by the end of November 2019, and this time, it took me quite a long time to get it, I am ashamed to admit!!! I can’t remember the reason though, as I usually order my reading material straight after it’s released for the public…but then, the end of 2019 and the beginning of 2020 was quite turmulous, so…anyway, just the other day I’ve received my order from Amazon and among other publications (of which I’m gonna write later), there was this nice addition to my library.
It’s a book, it’s a zine…it’s a bookzine!!! OK, I’ve gone a little too artistic on this, but the truth is – it’s a truly true statement! Hm…I need to stop trying to be funny now, let’s get serious. Because this publication deserves a serious treatment.
Although most of metalheads would class themselves as horror fans (and the gorier the better), myself – although I won’t refuse watching horror anytime – I am more of a general movie enthusiast. But I really like adventure movies, especially classic ones. So it was a no brainer to delve into so-called “peplum” movies (mostly produced in Italy) and to my surprise, there are not that many great reference books devoted to that genre. I’ve had a possibility to read Of Muscles and Men: Essays on the Sword and Sandal Film by Michael G. Cornelius and I’ve closed the book not even finishing the Introduction. Nope, if you are just a normal, movie loving person, stay clear of academic tomes. The other choice for my was this one I am gonna review for you today.
When it comes to culture, one just can’t get enough. And I’m not gonna argue about it. You either are mad about it or not. There is no middle ground. At least not with me.
One has to agree that “suggested” stuff on Amazon has its advantages when it comes to spending your hard earned moolah on things you just have to own. And that’s how I’ve came to own this nice book about, well, weird science and bizarre beliefs! No kidding, the title says it all and it’s correct.
Many, many summers ago, when I was just a kid – and before the advent of home computers, the past-time was usually spent by reading books, playing outside (well, it was not that dangerous back then), watching what little kiddie entertainment was on our TVs or playing games – card games and/or boardgames. Nothing too complicated, but it did the trick.
There is never enough of review/reference books and Richard Kadrey knew it. Therefore he’s brought also the sequel of sorts to his Covert Culture book from 1993, fittingly named Covert Culture 2.0, and it was out in 1994. Yep, it’s also outdated, but also a real treat.
What’s the point of reviewing a book which is way outdated? Good question.
It all falls nicely into place(s). I’ve found this book mentioned in an old issue of Psychotronic Video magazine (which, in turn, I’ve found thanks to my before-unknown interest in not-so-mainstream movies) and because I am keen reader of catalogues, especially book catalogues, it goes without saying I’ve simply needed to check this book.
Not so long ago I’ve reviewed a book by Sean A. Moore titled Conan and the Shaman’s Curse. Upon the perusal of the mighty Google I’ve found that this author, before his premature death in the car accident, had penned two more of Conan stories, Conan the Hunter and Conan (before the aforementioned book) and the Grim Grey God (the third in the row). And because I quite liked what I’ve read, it goes without saying I’ve tried to get other two books to enhance my reading pleasure.