20 May 1994
Written and compiled by Kendrick Kerwin Chua
(kchua@unf6.cis.unf.edu)
University of North Florida, United States of America
FAQ - Part 1
This FAQ supercedes all previous versions of the Necronomicon FAQ, versions 1.0, 1.1, and 1.3. These versions should be erased and replaced by this version.
This Frequently Asked Questions document is divided into four parts. The first part contains down and dirty information designed for the impatient who wish to get their hands on a book titled Necronomicon. The subsequent parts contain more information, some factual and some subjective.
This FAQ is neither comprehensive nor exhaustive. If you feel that the author of the FAQ has missed some vital point, please feel free to e-mail the author at the above internet address. Alternately, you may direct a Usenet post to alt.necromicon, alt.magick or alt.toys.transformers and the author may eventually run across your post.
Table of contents for part 1 -
1. What is the Necronomicon?
This FAQ is chiefly concerned with the mass-media format books on the international market which are titled Necronomicon. These books are marketed in the occult and "New Age" sections of bookstores, and are reputed to be books of magick, or grimoires. This FAQ does not address the following items related to the Necronomicon:
"Necronomicon" - an anthology of B-grade horror movies;
NecronomiCon - an annual convention of H.P. Lovecraft enthusiasts;
"Necronomicon, Vols. I and II" - portfolios of adult oriented art
from the files of fantasy artist H.R. Giger;
Vital information on the two commercially availble Necronomicons which fit our narrow description is as follows:
"The Necronomicon: Second Edition"
Edited by Simon
(c) 1977 Schlangekraft Inc.
pub Magickal Childe, Inc.
Avon Books, New York (1980 printing)
ISBN - 0 - 380 - 75192 - 5
US $ 5.99
"The Necronomicon: The Book of Dead Names"
Edited by George Hay
with Colin Wilson, Robert Turner, and David Langford
(c) 1978 Neville Spearman Ltd.
Skoob Books Publishing Ltd, London (1992 printing)
ISBN - 1 - 871438 - 16 - 0
US $ 9.95
2. Where can I find a copy of the Necronomicon?
As stated above, the book is frequently available in the local book shop. In America, BDalton Booksellers and Books-a-Million often carry one of the two Necronomicons, and can order the other (provided with the right information, like the nifty numbers and letters given above).
3. What if my lousy bookstore does not carry it?
Then you can order the books direct from wholesalers and distributors, like the Abyss Distribution Company (free plug coming up)
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Abyss Distribution
48 Chester Road
Chester MA 01011 - 9735
(413) 623 - 2155 , M-F 10am - 4 pm EST
(413) 623 - 2156 priority FAX orders
Quant Item # Description Price Total
---------------------------------------------------------------
N/A Necronomicon - Simon 5.99
N/A Necronomicon - George Hay 9.95
Subtotal-
(only if you live in MA) MA State Tax-
Shipping- $4.00
Total-
Shipment Preferred - ___ Mail ___ UPS
Payment by - ___ Money Order
___ Cash
___ Personal Check (longer to process)
___ Visa
___ Mastercard Card #-
Expiration Date-
Signature- ___________________
Print Name-
Special information:
___ Send OUT OF STOCK items separately and charge extra shipping ($2)
___ Send OUT OF STOCK items with my next order automatically
COD orders cost an extra $5, plus the regular $4 shipping.
Canadian and foreign orders have a $5 minimum shipping charge.
Packages sent by U.S. mail are at customer's risk w/o insurance.
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Abyss is a large dealer of occult related books, supplies, and materials, and has sent thousands of Necronomicons all over. Cut out this form and send as an order, or call them with your credit card handy. Or request a full catalog from the above address.
The author of the FAQ is in no way affiliated with Abyss, and makes no claims regarding the company. End of free plug.
4. What do I do now that I have a copy?
You should read it. Many people own the book simply to own it and do not read it. Therefore they have very little to contribute to discussions about the Necronomicon on the Usenet groups alt.magick or alt.necromicon. Please read your copy.
5. What should I believe?
Now that you've read your copy(ies) of the book, we can try to discuss what you should and should not believe, by filling in what may or may not be gaps in your background knowledge concerning the Necronomicon...