Contemporary Magicians And/or Authors? Options

Since I was mostly interested in the technical and practical knowledge for a while, I didn't really look into the social or literary landscape of the paths, i.e. who's who and the best authorities on the subject. I am used to learning and researching just about anything and the way I do that is by looking for the best and most knowledgeable figures in the respective domain, but have yet to really dig into magic, so I was wondering if I could get a primer/list of high profile magicians/works? Also something as recent/top the age/ongoing as possible, I like to learn the latest developments and interpretations in any discipline, and the more recent the likelier to get conferences/talks/lectures/seminars or in any case videos on the subject, I am even more used to learning like that.

Uhh, I can't really just generalize the subject of magic I suppose, so any type of craft or path or whatever that comes to mind is fine. Perhaps more leaning on Western style with Goetic traditions.

Also, more so for curiosity, are there any works on the whole "magick symbolism all over media and entertainment" thing? Written from the perspective of the ones in on it that is.

Any and as many answers as possible are welcome, and thanks a lot.

-Nera

The Society of the Crossed Keys does most of the research type magick. The nice people at The Baptists Head have a primer on magick and Allan Chapman did Advanced Magick For Beginners which I found helpful. Some works of Raziel Regardie are approachable. As are the High Magick Series, though I did not find that series very helpful others have. AO Spare, Cecil Williamson are more modern authors. Drawing Down the Moon is a even more recent look at earth based craft today.

A List of good old grimoires include: Mathers, Barrett, the Key of Solomon, cornelius agrippa, the sworn book of Honorius. Dehn and Guth's Abramelin the Mage.

Yeah, that should keep me busy for a while, thanks a lot. (IMG:style_emoticons/default/happy.gif)

Anything else crosses your mind, let me know.