New Book By Simon Options

I just wanted everyone to know there is a new book coming out by our old friend Simon. Yes the same author of the Necronomicon.

The title of the new book which is Dead Names : The Dark History of the Necronomicon has been out for awhile and it is still not released as of yet BUT they have finally released a picture of the book and a quick overview.

Here is the picture of the new book:

(IMG:http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v235/Frater_Nero/newbook.jpg)

and here is the Book Description:


The most feared, fascinating, and dangerous book in the history of humankind . . . Necronomicon

An ancient Arabic text -- a powerful book of spells that could, in the wrong hands, create unimaginable and irreversible devastation -- the Necronomicon featured prominently in the stories of legendary horror writer H.P. Lovecraft. For many generations, few believed it to be anything other than pure fiction.

But in 1972, a young man who, for his own protection, must be known simply as "Simon," stumbled upon an old, handwritten manuscript that ultimately proved to be an authentic edition of the unholy work.

Dead Names is the startling true account of the dark and violent history of this most fearsome of books: from its Middle Eastern origins to its reemergence centuries later; its role in pivotal events of the twentieth century, from the JFK assassination to the Son of Sam murders; and the terrible fates that befell those who helped bring the Necronomicon out of the shadows and into the light of day.

I'll write on this in my blog later, but here's a quick version.

One of the most important aspects of authorship is responsibility. My name is on my books. Thus, if something within is incorrect, or if I'm being a jerk, you as a reader can then hold me accountable for it. The exception is if there's some risk to the author - they'll lose your job, their family will be put in danger, or something of the sort. That's why pseudonyms have been used historically - to protect those without power from those who have it taking retribution against them.

(We could also talk about the issues surrounding craft names and Internet handles, but Simon's not just another Internet poster, and if he can joke about it being his real name, it seems unlikely that it's a craft name.)

If you're using a pseudonym to avoid being critiqued, or just for your own amusement (such amusement is never shared by all readers), or to attack people because you'd never have the guts to do so under your real name, you're really abusing and weakening a writer's tool that is even more necessary in today's world of multinational corporations and eroding civil liberties than ever before.

Hi Dan,

my name is on my book as well, but it sure aint gonna be there on any book I ever publish anything within the field of occultism. I would had assumed that this would be selfexplanatory but here goes: if one allows ones name to be associated with occult practices - or any practices which the majority of people view as totally whacky then one can just count on being discriminated against in the workplace and most probably in other areas as well. I seriously doubt that I would remain employed where I am presently working if I were open about my occult practices.

Yeah, I agree, let's skip the internet anonymity discussion. There are enough other intelligent people engaging in it.

Frankly I do not understand why you bring up the points you do regarding using a pseudonym to avoid being critiqued - do you think that is what Simon is doing? He has engaged in a lengthy dialogue with you in this very thread! Do you think Simon is using his pseudonym merely for his amusement? Now, personally I do not consider that wrong in any way - but certainly that doesn't appear to be the case. Do you believe Simon is using his pseudonym in order to attack people because he lacks the guts to do so under his real name? Again, I will not presume to speak for Simon, but to the extent (if any) that he has attacked anyone I would be very surprised if this was due to a lack of guts rather than a concern that his identity may be revealed.

I am pleased to read that at least there is one thing we are in agreeanse about, namely the absolute necessity for and legitimacy of using a pseudonym - even if we disagree about when and for what purposes such use is warranted. I can only state that I disagree with your implication that Simons use of a pseudonym would harm the institution of pseudonymous publishing. Au contraire: Simons use of his pseudonym is absolutely brilliant and should make most intelligent people value the institution even higher.

All the best
Nox