Faust and His Books of Magic with William Kiesel (Magic of Books)

Faust and His Books of Magic

In the PRS Library!

Doctor Faustus is a familiar name in many European folktales and his story is one that has been treated by Christopher Marlow, Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and others. The life of this infamous magician reads like a dark and cautionary fairytale and may actually have historical precedents. Tonight William Kiesel will present artifacts of the Faust legend through a particularly distinct type of occult grimoires associated with the man willing to sell his soul to the devil Mephistopheles. The Faustian literature is rich in theatre, poetry and actual books of magic and has lessons for those exploring the byways of folk and fairytales and the esoteric path.

ABOUT THE MAGIC OF BOOKS SERIES:

“Without books, there is no memory, and without memory, a culture cannot exist.” - Fernando Báez

Join William Kiesel for a series of engaging talks on books and book culture surrounding the wisdom traditions housed in the PRS Library. Books are vessels of coagulated thought, distilled and filtered through the minds of authors, artists and adepts. Understanding the technology of the book and the laboratory of the library grants the seeker access to the esoteric secrets that can aid them on their journey of discovery. Presented in the peaceful environs of the PRS Library, William uses some of the bibliographic treasures of the library to illustrate multi-disciplined topics aimed at bringing deeper awareness into these important literary tools which have preserved the ageless wisdom for centuries.

Presented by PRS and Ouroboros Press

William Kiesel has walked the path of esotericism for over 30 years. His practical experience and historical knowledge of occult literature and culture draws from such diverse disciplines as Hermeticism, Neoplatonism, Qabalah, Thelema, Alchemy, Rosicrucianism, Theosophy, and Ceremonial Magic. With his decades as an antiquarian bookseller, his training in letterpress printing and bookbinding, Kiesel brings his love of books and scholarship together as publisher at Ouroboros Press. He is also faculty at 22 Teachings School of Hermetic Science and Magical Arts. www.bookarts.org

Ticket price: $22 (in person event only)

Please email events@prs.org or phone 323-663-2167 with any questions.