Along with the Greater Key of Solomon, both supposedly written by the biblical King Solomon, this represents one of the first storehouses of occult lore available for the serious student. Translated by renowned scholar S.L. MacGregor Mathers, the Lesser Key of Solomon the King has a good series of spells and rituals for use in invocation and practical magic(k). The problem with the book, though, is its long, difficult and obtuse writing style. Like I said in my review of the Greater Key, maybe I'm being arrogant when I say that King Solomon just couldn't write it well. Then again, you have to remember this isn't a story, its a Grimoire. It is meant to be perused as a ritual text by those who already have knowledge of Qabalah and the occult.

Of all the thousands of grimoire circulating out there, this one is an okay source. I recommend getting both Keys of Solomon and also have a lot of previous study in the Ceremonial Arts before performing these exercises.

The information in this particular grimoire is not difficult, but one should not start trying the exercises in here fresh without any occult knowledge at all, for there are hazards. I would rate this higher, if not for the fact that some of it is difficult to understand and the preface and begining portion has nothing to do with the history of the grimoire, but goes on to tell of a battle between Mathers and Crowley in which, I for one, really don't care. What these men had against each other has nothing to do with the book or it's contents and I believe it detracts from the book.

It is a good book for those who are interested in the wisdom of King Solomon, but should be handled with care, but not with kid gloves. Some of the writing is archaic and I don't believe the entire manuscript is opened for the reader. I would recommend buying the Legementon over this book in particular. Otherwise, it is great for those interested in evocation.

Another important work on magic, translated by S.L. MacGregorMathers and edited by Aleister Crowley, the two most importantmagicians of the modern era. This book should be in the library of every student of magic and the occult, and is particularly useful in conjunction with _The Key of Solomon [the King_, also translated and edited by Mathers. This is, of course, the definitive work on Goetic invocation and the conjuration of specific spirts. A must for any conjurer.