The Mephistophelian Trilogy
A Draconian Autobiography
by Thomas Karlsson
Founded by Thomas Karlsson and a group of young magicians in Sweden in the late ’80s, the magical order Dragon Rouge has been one of the most notable in the past 30 years within the Left-Hand Path and occultism in general. Many prominent figures in modern magic and art have passed through its ranks, and countless stories have been woven around it.
The Mephistophelian Trilogy is the autobiography of Thomas Karlsson, chronicling the beginnings and early development of Dragon Rouge, combining three previously separately published books:
- Amongst Mystics and Magicians in Stockholm: The first instalment where a young Thomas, having embarked on his own magical journey, founds the Order with his associates. Here we find the beginnings of Dragon Rouge’s seals or the author’s internal and external journeys.
- A Necromancer’s Diary: Reflections on death and the afterlife, accompanied by the author’s magical anecdotes, navigating a darker path through the Other Side.
- At the End of the Left-Hand Path: A Guide to Existential Survival through the Dark Arts: The final and richest reflections of the author’s and his Order’s early phase, with valuable conclusions drawn from exhaustive magical experiences.
The value of these novelised accounts lies in their being gems from an experienced master, from which we can find common points for our own understanding. In this sense, the work becomes a practical guide, in the form of told stories, allowing us to taste magic from the safety of our reading room. In this book, you will find a vast array of experiences with spirits, demons, and gods, rare grimoires, Lucifer and Lilith, magical techniques, encounters with great sages, and much more, all enriched by the author’s great musical and artistic taste and his countless references to various subjects.
A must-have book on any respectable occultist’s shelf.
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Table of Contents (abridged)
BOOK I - Amongst Mystics and Magicians in Stockholm
BOOK II - A Necromancer’s Diary
BOOK III - At the End of the Left-Hand Path
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Dust-jacket cover art: The Witches’ Festival (1910) by Thomas Nelson
Hardcover artwork by Rayza Ortiz
Full colour illustrations throughout
Hardcover Edition - limited to 200 copies
484 pages. Red cloth-bound hardcover with gold foiling to front cover and spine, red textured heavy stock endpapers, and red ribbon bookmark. Full colour dust-jacket. Printed on Nautilus 120 gsm paper.
ISBN: 978-612-49640-1-5
Paperback Edition - limited to 300 copies
484 pages. Sewn paperback. Full colour card cover with French flaps on front and rear. Printed on Nautilus 120 gsm paper.
ISBN: 978-612-49401-9-4
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Press, reviews, endorsements
“When reading through Amongst Mystics and Magicians, one is faced with a collection of household names in modern esotericism (e.g. Aleister Crowley, Kenneth Grant, Anton LaVey) as well as more surprising authors (e.g. Benoît Mandelbrot, Hannes Alfvén), which, of course, provides an interesting view of the mystical and philosophical basis of the order. But more interesting still is how the sources are translated into lived and empirical experiences through practice and experimentation.
The book is a treasure trove for someone interested in the practical side of Dragon Rouge, as there are vivid and detailed depictions of magical workings from simple meditations to ceremonial rituals. In most cases these workings are also accompanied by participants’ personal reflections, providing yet another angle to the practical side of Dragon Rouge. While Dragon Rouge underscores personal experience in its magical curriculum, its varied pursuits also have a very rigorous philosophical grounding. There is a strong opposition to the nihilistic tendencies characteristic of the time, and, conversely, a stout dedication to the ideals of a true Renaissance man.”
Correspondences: Journal for the Study of Esotericism, reviewing Amongst Mystics and Magicians (Book I of The Mephistophelian Trilogy) - read the full review here
Book Review of A Necromancer’s Diary (Book II of The Mephistophelian Trilogy) by Left Hand Puppetry - watch on YouTube here
Interview with Thomas Karlsson for the Flambeau Noir International Left-Hand Path Conference - watch on YouTube here
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About the Author
Thomas Karlsson, PhD. is an author, scholar of comparative religion, and the founder and leader of one of the most widely recognised contemporary international Left-Hand Path orders; Ordo Draconis et Atri Adamantis, or Dragon Rouge.
Karlsson earned his doctorate in the History of Religions at Stockholm University, where he also lectures in history, religion, and philosophy. He has also served as a research fellow at various universities. Karlsson has written esoteric literature as well as comparative religious studies, and his works have been published in a variety of languages. His book Qabala, Qliphoth and Goetic Magic (first published in 2004) has achieved bestseller status in Sweden, the USA, and Germany, and has also been released in Spanish, Italian, and Portuguese-language editions.
