Frabato the Magician

Rating:
Summary: Bardon Idealized
Review: Although Bardon's instructional books are, arguably, the best on the occult market, I cannot say that Frabato is of the same quality. Actually, it is important to note that this book was not actually written by Bardon, but by one of his students. Clearly, Bardon was idealized in Frabato (Frabato having been his stage name while he was travelling). Sadly I cannot recommend this to individuals looking for a good read. On the other hand, Bardonofiles may enjoy it, as it does offer some insight into the man, as well as offer an entertaining, if grossly exagerated view of Bardon.

Rating:
Summary: Bardon Idealized
Review: Although Bardon's instructional books are, arguably, the best on the occult market, I cannot say that Frabato is of the same quality. Actually, it is important to note that this book was not actually written by Bardon, but by one of his students. Clearly, Bardon was idealized in Frabato (Frabato having been his stage name while he was travelling). Sadly I cannot recommend this to individuals looking for a good read. On the other hand, Bardonofiles may enjoy it, as it does offer some insight into the man, as well as offer an entertaining, if grossly exagerated view of Bardon.

Rating:
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: Although the cheapest of the hardcover Franz Bardon books out there, I felt rather cheated in the story. The book has some interesting insights, but the story doesn't quite jibe. Was F. Bardon a part of the 99 Lodge or was it the diabolical Adolf Hitler? Why would der Fuhrer himself want to know where the other 98 Lodges were if he and Franz were a member? Why, if Bardon wrote this novel, didn't he include accounts of his stay at the concentration camp, or being tortured by Hitler's henchmen? This book could confuse the typical new ager, who doesn't stray beyond the fluff, but someone who's truly interesed in Bardon's life should either learn French (an excellent book about Bardon's life by one of his students (MK)is in this language, and to date is in none other), or search online.

Rating:
Summary: Is this Franz or Otti?
Review: Although the cheapest of the hardcover Franz Bardon books out there, I felt rather cheated in the story. The book has some interesting insights, but the story doesn't quite jibe. Was F. Bardon a part of the 99 Lodge or was it the diabolical Adolf Hitler? Why would der Fuhrer himself want to know where the other 98 Lodges were if he and Franz were a member? Why, if Bardon wrote this novel, didn't he include accounts of his stay at the concentration camp, or being tortured by Hitler's henchmen? This book could confuse the typical new ager, who doesn't stray beyond the fluff, but someone who's truly interesed in Bardon's life should either learn French (an excellent book about Bardon's life by one of his students (MK)is in this language, and to date is in none other), or search online.

Rating:
Summary: A Bit Like A 30's Serial
Review: Frabato (Bardon) battles the Evil Lodge on the eve of WWII. This book is written in a "Flash Gordon Vs. The Cosmic Meanies" style, further fractured through the services of a bad translator. If this is Bardon in action, then imagine a scratchy sound track, really evil bad guys in black suits and top hats, and the ultimate good guys being Koot Hoomie and His Ascended Masters gliding to the rescue on flying carpets. Bardon's secretary wrote this one and I really believe she was planning to farm this script out to Fritz Lang. At most, quaint, at worst, a disappointment to anyone seeking enlightenment on the Hermetic front.

Rating:
Summary: A Major Disappointment
Review: I've read and enjoyed Franz Bardon's books on hermetics but after reading this story, I'm beginning to doubt the veracity of his other books. This book reads like a fantasy written by a ten-year-old for a ten-year-old. If this story really is an autobiography of Franz Bardon (which I highly doubt)I'd have to file his other books under fantasy and fiction.

Rating:
Summary: Autobiography of a True Adept -- Franz Bardon! A great novel
Review: The best Hermetic novel ever! It's very true-to-life and quite believable. I was truly amazed to discover that this book introduces the Holy Mysteries, and that the information is revealed in the following three books by Bardon. Why the Mysteries were revealed is astounding! I fully recommend this book to ALL people, regardless of age or gender. A great find -- Bardon has a new booklet of about 100 pages called Questions & Answers, which answered many other questsion as well.

Rating:
Summary: amazing description of the hermetic sciences
Review: The books by Franz Bardon are very hard to find. They offer the best systematic training in the hermetic science in a systematic language, free from religious or new age jargon.

Rating:
Summary: Great and easy read. Not actually written by Bardon.
Review: This book is very interesting and helped in getting me inspired in reading Bardons other works. Nevertheless it has to be noted that this book has to be read with a pinch of salt. This was not written by Bardon and would seen completely uncharacteristic of him to write in this style (judging from his other books).


Rating:
Summary: Sad but True
Review: This book is written very badly. Some parts I believe from a magickal perspective but some parts are really just a little too far out there. I think F. Bardon is the greatest teacher of Hermetics and I have his 3 books teaching the subject but this one was created from an outline he had drawn up before his death and was fleshed out by O.V. who was his secretary and there could have been some 'modifications' made. It has some interesting truths about F.B.'s life but maybe some not so truthful stuff also. Just a guess on my part, however.. Over all, it isn't necessary for training in Hermetics that Franz offers in his other 3 books which are absolutely wonderful in their teaching and content. Peace, Marz