Reading List

Books I Think Are Worth Reading

Fiction

  • Alice in Wonderland

    — Lewis Carroll

    A surreal journey through a whimsical, unpredictable world.

    A timeless classic challenging conventional reality.

  • Frank Herbert's Dune Novels

    — Frank Herbert

    An epic saga set on a desert planet, blending politics, ecology, and mysticism.

    Masterful world-building and visionary themes.

  • Lord of the Rings

    — J.R.R. Tolkien

    An epic tale of adventure, friendship, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

    A cornerstone of modern fantasy literature.

  • Robinson Crusoe

    — Daniel Defoe

    The classic tale of a castaway's survival and adventure on a deserted island.

    A pioneering survival story.

  • Neuromancer

    — William Gibson

    A seminal cyberpunk novel that redefined the genre and explored AI and cyberspace.

    A groundbreaking work in cyberpunk literature.

  • The Diamond Age

    — Neal Stephenson

    A futuristic narrative blending technology, culture, and social commentary.

    A thought-provoking exploration of technology's impact on society.

  • Huckleberry Finn

    — Mark Twain

    A journey of a young boy navigating the Mississippi River and questioning societal norms.

    A satirical look at American society and race relations.

  • H.P. Lovecraft, Fiction, Poetry & Essays

    — H.P. Lovecraft

    A collection of eerie, atmospheric works that evoke cosmic horror.

    Dark and imaginative stories that challenge the boundaries of fear.

  • Illuminatus! Trilogy

    — Robert Shea & Robert Anton Wilson

    A complex narrative mixing conspiracy theories, satire, and counterculture.

    A wild and intricate exploration of conspiracy and the occult.

  • The Prophet

    — Kahlil Gibran

    A series of poetic essays on love, life, and spirituality.

    Inspires introspection and a deeper understanding of life’s mysteries.

  • The Works of Lord Dunsany

    — Lord Dunsany

    Lyrical, mythic tales that laid the groundwork for modern fantasy.

    Magical tales that spark the imagination.

  • Homer

    Ancient epic poetry foundational to Western literature.

    Timeless epics that continue to influence literature.

  • The Argonauts

    The mythic voyage of Jason and the Argonauts.

    A classic adventure filled with myth and legend.

  • The Surviving Works of Hesiod

    — Hesiod

    Early Greek texts on mythology, agriculture, and the gods.

    Essential insights into early Greek culture and mythology.

  • The Works of Edgar Allan Poe

    — Edgar Allan Poe

    Gothic tales, mysteries, and poetry that explore the macabre.

    A haunting collection that probes the darker side of human nature.

  • I am a Cat

    — Natsume Soseki

    A satirical and insightful look at society from a cat's perspective.

    A witty critique of modern Japanese society.

  • The Bacchae

    — Euripides

    A Greek tragedy that delves into themes of divine vengeance and human folly.

    A powerful exploration of human limitations and divine retribution.

  • Goethe's Faust

    — Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

    A dramatic exploration of ambition, desire, and redemption.

    A multifaceted work examining the human condition and the price of knowledge.

  • Dream of the Red Chamber

    — Cao Xueqin

    A sprawling, intricate novel that paints a vivid portrait of 18th-century Chinese aristocracy.

    A masterpiece of Chinese literature, rich in social commentary and symbolism.

  • The Works of Yukio Mishima

    — Yukio Mishima

    A collection of novels, plays, and essays exploring the beauty and brutality of modern Japan.

    Provocative literature that challenges both aesthetic and cultural norms.

Manga

  • Ghost in the Shell

    — Masamune Shirow

    A cyberpunk masterpiece exploring technology, identity, and consciousness.

    A visionary work that remains influential in both manga and film.

  • Death Note

    — Tsugumi Ohba & Takeshi Obata

    A high-stakes thriller where morality is questioned through a deadly notebook.

    A suspenseful, thought-provoking battle between genius and justice.

  • Vagabond

    An intricately illustrated tale of samurai legend and the nature of strength.

    A visually stunning interpretation of historical and philosophical themes.

  • Uzumaki

    A surreal horror story revolving around spirals and obsession.

    An unsettling narrative that captures the essence of creeping madness.

Occultism, Freemasonry, Magick et cetera..

  • Most Works of Aleister Crowley

    — Aleister Crowley

    A broad collection exploring magick, mysticism, and Thelema.

    Controversial yet influential writings that challenge conventional thought.

  • The Zohar

    A foundational work of Kabbalah offering mystical insights.

    Later translations often provide clearer interpretations of its complex symbolism.

  • The Ars Goetia

    A detailed compendium of demonic lore and ritual practice.

    An essential resource for understanding ceremonial magick.

  • Liber Null

    A seminal text in modern magick and chaos theory.

    A practical guide to harnessing chaotic energies for magickal purposes.

  • The Secret Teachings of All Ages

    — Manly P. Hall

    An encyclopedic overview of esoteric and occult traditions.

    A comprehensive reference that explores hidden knowledge across cultures.

Religion, Spirituality & Philosophy

  • The I Ching

    An ancient Chinese divination text offering guidance through change.

    A profound, timeless work providing insights into the nature of change.

  • The Daodejing

    — Lao Tzu

    A foundational Taoist text emphasizing balance and natural order.

    Encourages simplicity and living in harmony with nature.

  • Zhuangzi

    A collection of allegorical tales reflecting Taoist philosophy.

    Rich parables that challenge conventional perspectives.

  • The Bible

    The central religious text of Christianity and Judaism.

    A foundational text with deep spiritual and historical significance.

  • The Quran

    The holy book of Islam containing divine revelations.

    A sacred text shaping the faith and culture of billions.

  • Principia Discordia

    A satirical blend of philosophy, humor, and chaos theory.

    A quirky, irreverent take on order and disorder.

  • The City of God

    — St. Augustine

    A theological work contrasting earthly and divine orders.

    Explores the intersection of faith and governance.

  • The Holy Books of Thelema

    A collection of sacred texts that form the doctrinal basis of Thelema.

    Essential readings for understanding Thelemic principles.

  • The Book of the SubGenius

    A cult classic mixing satire, conspiracy, and mysticism.

    A playful yet thought-provoking exploration of modern culture.

  • Meister Eckhart's Writings

    Medieval sermons and treatises on mysticism and spirituality.

    Deep, reflective works that challenge conventional wisdom.

  • Walden

    — Henry David Thoreau

    A reflective work on simple living, nature, and self-sufficiency.

    Advocates simplicity and a close connection with nature.

  • Nietzsche

    Philosophical writings that challenge conventional morality.

    Provocative texts urging a re-evaluation of values.

  • (Neo)Platonism

    Texts exploring the world of ideal forms and metaphysical realities.

    An exploration of abstract concepts in philosophy.

  • Cicero

    Roman writings on philosophy, politics, and rhetoric.

    Timeless insights into governance and human nature.

  • Plutarch's Moralia

    A collection of essays on ethics, virtue, and human behavior.

    Offers practical wisdom drawn from classical philosophy.

  • Epictetus' Enchiridion

    A practical guide to Stoic philosophy and self-discipline.

    A concise manual for personal growth and resilience.

  • Aristotle

    Foundational works in Western philosophy and science.

    A pillar of Western thought with lasting influence.

  • Seneca's On the Shortness of Life

    A Stoic meditation on time, mortality, and the art of living.

    Encourages making the most of our fleeting time.

  • The Stoics

    Various writings exploring Stoic ethics and philosophy.

    Collects the core ideas of Stoicism in a cohesive narrative.

  • The Hagakure

    — Yamamoto Tsunetomo

    A guide to the samurai way and its underlying principles.

    An evocative look at honor, discipline, and the samurai ethos.

  • The Book of Tea

    An exploration of tea as a cultural and philosophical ritual.

    A meditation on the art of tea and its connection to life.

  • Works of Julius Evola

    — Julius Evola

    A collection of writings on tradition, spirituality, and the critique of modernity.

    Controversial yet influential in traditionalist circles.

  • The Collapse of Complex Societies

    — Joseph A. Tainter

    An analysis of how and why societies collapse due to complexity and resource limitations.

    A seminal work in understanding societal decline.

  • Der Untergang des Abendlandes

    — Oswald Spengler

    A historical and philosophical examination of the decline of Western civilization.

    A provocative, cyclical view of history.

  • The Works of Nick Land

    — Nick Land

    A set of writings that explore accelerationism, technology, and the collapse of traditional structures.

    Challenging, avant-garde philosophical works.

  • Sunzi's Art of War

    — Sunzi

    An ancient military treatise offering strategic and tactical wisdom applicable even today.

    A timeless guide to strategy and leadership.

Essays

  • On Pain

    — Ernst Jünger

    A penetrating exploration of the nature of suffering and endurance.

    Thought-provoking and challenging reflections on human resilience.

Visual Novels

  • Valhalla

    An interactive narrative blending visual storytelling with epic themes.

    A unique, immersive experience that pushes the boundaries of interactive fiction.