Goose of Hermogenes by Ithell Colquhoun, 2003 edition, with Foreword by Peter Owen and essay on the Background to the Artist by Eric Ratcliffe.
“Shudderingly enjoyable”, (The Guardian), this classic of occult weird fiction by Surrealist and artist, Ithell Colquhoun was originally published in 1961 and has attracted a cult following in recent years. The heroine of the story is compelled to visit a mysterious uncle, who turns out to be a black magician who rules a strange island that exists outside time and space. He is searching for the philosopher’s stone of alchemical tradition; when uncle discovers that the heroine has a priceless jewel heirloom, she faces a terrifying journey to escape the island. An esoteric dreamworld fantasy, blending occult imagery and elements of the gothic novel, Eric Ratcliffe notes in his essay that each chapter ‘has a title relevant to the stage in the alchemical progression to compete the Opus, The Great Work,’ the task and goal of the alchemist. Educated at the Slate School of Art Ithell Colquhoun was ‘multi-talented, affable, with a vivid imagination’ (Peter Owen), an occultist and lifelong artist, who lived and worked in Cornwall. The Goose of Hermogenes is an unforgettable novel.
A very good quality paperback from the 2003 edition.
Published by Peter Owen, August 2003. 128 pages. Dimensions 12.7 x 0.74 x 19.69 cm.
Tight spine, unmarked pages. Slight scuffing and bookshop sticker residue to front cover. A duplicate from personal collection.
“Shudderingly enjoyable”, (The Guardian), this classic of occult weird fiction by Surrealist and artist, Ithell Colquhoun was originally published in 1961 and has attracted a cult following in recent years. The heroine of the story is compelled to visit a mysterious uncle, who turns out to be a black magician who rules a strange island that exists outside time and space. He is searching for the philosopher’s stone of alchemical tradition; when uncle discovers that the heroine has a priceless jewel heirloom, she faces a terrifying journey to escape the island. An esoteric dreamworld fantasy, blending occult imagery and elements of the gothic novel, Eric Ratcliffe notes in his essay that each chapter ‘has a title relevant to the stage in the alchemical progression to compete the Opus, The Great Work,’ the task and goal of the alchemist. Educated at the Slate School of Art Ithell Colquhoun was ‘multi-talented, affable, with a vivid imagination’ (Peter Owen), an occultist and lifelong artist, who lived and worked in Cornwall. The Goose of Hermogenes is an unforgettable novel.
A very good quality paperback from the 2003 edition.
Published by Peter Owen, August 2003. 128 pages. Dimensions 12.7 x 0.74 x 19.69 cm.
Tight spine, unmarked pages. Slight scuffing and bookshop sticker residue to front cover. A duplicate from personal collection.
“Shudderingly enjoyable”, (The Guardian), this classic of occult weird fiction by Surrealist and artist, Ithell Colquhoun was originally published in 1961 and has attracted a cult following in recent years. The heroine of the story is compelled to visit a mysterious uncle, who turns out to be a black magician who rules a strange island that exists outside time and space. He is searching for the philosopher’s stone of alchemical tradition; when uncle discovers that the heroine has a priceless jewel heirloom, she faces a terrifying journey to escape the island. An esoteric dreamworld fantasy, blending occult imagery and elements of the gothic novel, Eric Ratcliffe notes in his essay that each chapter ‘has a title relevant to the stage in the alchemical progression to compete the Opus, The Great Work,’ the task and goal of the alchemist. Educated at the Slate School of Art Ithell Colquhoun was ‘multi-talented, affable, with a vivid imagination’ (Peter Owen), an occultist and lifelong artist, who lived and worked in Cornwall. The Goose of Hermogenes is an unforgettable novel.
A very good quality paperback from the 2003 edition.
Published by Peter Owen, August 2003. 128 pages. Dimensions 12.7 x 0.74 x 19.69 cm.
Tight spine, unmarked pages. Slight scuffing and bookshop sticker residue to front cover. A duplicate from personal collection.