THE MAGICIAN (1908) by W. Somerset Maugham is an unusual work of early 20th century fantastic literature inspired by the real historical personage and occultist Aleister Crowley who was a contemporary and acquaintance of the author. Reminiscent of FRANKENSTEIN, the magician, Oliver Haddo, is an imposing, terrifying and yet strangely compelling man of mystery who engages in dangerous clandestine experimentation and dark practices, embroiling the other characters in a wicked game of life and death. Includes an introduction by the author titled "A Fragment of Autobiography."