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Secrets of the Assassins by Peter Lamborn Wilson
Hakim Bey, writing under his real name, provides an excellent history of Hasan and the Assassins, and offers his usual ingenious insights. New Dawn is one of the best magazines on the market, I strongly suggest bookmarking this site.
The Last Words of Hassan Sabbah
A brilliant poem by William S. Burroughs condemning big money corporations and sneaky governments. "Liars! Cowards! . . . You will never use the name of Hassan Sabbah ?William Burroughs to cover you green shit deals with crab men."
The CIA Training Manual: A Study of Assassination
Frightening and hysterical at the same time, the CIA's assassin training manual incorporates some of the techniques and practices of the Assassin order. "Assassination?will never be ordered or authorized by any U.S. Headquarters, though the latter may in rare instances agree to its execution by members of an associated foreign service." HA! Just don't shoot yourself in the foot. Everyone should read this! It will blow you away, so to speak . . .
The Old Man of the Mountains by Arkon Daraul
A chapter from Daraul's excellent book A History of Secret Societies (New York: Citadel Press, 1961). Tons of information here, though some say Daraul is an unreliable source.
The Latter Days of The Assassins by Arkon Daraul
Another chapter from Daraul's book, this one looks at the evolution and eventual decline of the Assassins after Sabbah's death.
Aga Khan Development Network
The modern day leader of the Assassins isn't out to hurt anybody. In fact, he's a world-renowned humanitarian and progressive thinker. Check out the official homepage for his institute, The Aga Khan Development Network, which sets out to improve the living conditions in societies where Muslims have a significant presence, although it is not a religious organization.
Brion Gysin
One of the better Brion Gysin websites, this one includes biographical information, an interview, links, and some stuff about the dream machine.
The Pipes of Pan at Jajouka
Some truly inspiring music from the foothills of Morocco, these guys will definitely get you into the spirit of Islam and especially the Assassins. The Jajouka masters were "discovered" by Paul Bowles and Brion Gysin in the 1950s.
The Assassins
A brief history of Hasan and the Assassins from Phillip K. Hitti's The Book of Grass: An Anthology on Indian Hemp.
Ports of Entry
A riveting dialogue between William S. Burroughs and Brion Gysin. "Who is Brion Gysin? The only authentic heir to Hassan-I-Sabbah, the Old Man of the Mountain? Certainly that. Through his painting I caught glimpses of the Garden that the Old Man showed to his Assassins. The Garden cannot be faked." (Burroughs)
Death of Hasan bin Sabbah
Delves a little deeper into the personality of Hasan bin Sabbah, with some telling insights into the real motives of the Assassins. They were far more business-like than you might have imagined.
Hasan-I-Sabbah at Alamut.com
Probably the most historically accurate portrayal of Hasan on the Internet, this writer refutes some of the "myths" surrounding Hasan's story. Great site as well.
Islam and Eugenics
More great writing from Hakim Bey: here he looks at the history of Islam in America, and mentions the "Day of Resurrection" apocalyptic doctrine of the Assassins to support his thesis. This is a great site, complete with most of Hakim Bey's writings, including the complete texts of Temporary Autonomous Zone and Millennium.
The Assassins: Origins of the Nizari Ismailis
A comprehensive study of the Assassins using quotes from various sources.
Omar Khayyam
A bio of the great mathematician and astronomer, who supposedly made a pact in grade school with Hasan that if either became powerful, he would help the other out. Looks like they didn't need any help, however.
The Coleridge Connection
Posted in an email discussion at the Killdevilhill Literary Café, Wilson Brissett explores the possibility that Samuel Taylor Coleridge's romantic masterpiece "Kubla Khan" was in fact inspired by Hasan's secret garden. Good food for thought, if nothing else.
Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Was Coleridge's classic romantic poem "Kubla Khan" inspired by his studies of Hasan and the Hashishins? Check out the poem and judge for yourself.
Sufism - Sufis - Sufi Orders
An excellent resource database for any newcomer to Sufi philosophy. Complete with the basic facts about Sufism and brief overviews of the key personalities and sects of Sufism.
Encyclopedia Britannica: The Fatimid Dynasty
A brief overview of The Fatimid Dynasty from Encyclopedia Britannica. Includes hyperlinks to related entries.
Encyclopedia Britannica: Hasan-e-Sabbah
A brief overview of Hasan from the Encyclopedia Britannica. Includes hyperlinks to related entries.
Encyclopedia Britannica: Seljuq Dynasty
A brief overview of the Seljuq Dynasty who ruled Persia (Iran) in Hasan's time. Important for understanding the historical context of the Assassins.
Encyclopedia Britannica: Isma'lite
Learn all about the Ismailite sect of Islam, which spawned the subsect that would later become the Assassins.
Hashisheen: End of the Law
A track listing and overview of Bill Laswell's awesome CD Hashisheen: End of the Law (1999). Texts compiled by Hakim Bey with spoken word by Bey, Genesis P-Orridge, Patti Smith, and Iggy Pop. One of the best "diamond in the rough" albums out there.
Napster: Assassins of Hakim Bey
The only place I know of where you can download Assassins of Hakim Bey, a collaboration between Coil and Bill Laswell featuring a spoken word rendition of Marco Polo's description of Hasan's garden. Great stuff. (Try Gnutella if Napster is already down.)
5th Grader's Poem
Check out this delightful poem about Hasan written by a 5th grader in the northwestern US. This kid gives Burroughs a run for his money. Seriously . . .
Disinformation Dossier on The Illuminati
Check out the Disinformation dossier on The Illuminati.
Disinformation Dossier on Paul Bowles
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Paul Bowles.
Disinformation Dossier on William S. Burroughs
Check out the Disinformation dossier on William S. Burroughs.
Disinformation Dossier on Chaos Magick
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Chaos Magick.
Disinformation Dossier on Hacker Holy Wars
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Hacker Holy Wars.
Disinformation Dossier on The Sinai Bedouins
Check out the Disinformation dossier on The Sinai Bedouins.
Disinformation Dossier on Adam Parfrey
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Adam Parfrey.
Disinformation Dossier on Muslimgauze
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Muslimgauze.
Disinformation Dossier on Coil
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Coil.
Disinformation Dossier on Robert Anton Wilson
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Robert Anton Wilson.
Disinformation Dossier on Genesis P-Orridge
Check out the Disinformation dossier on Genesis P-Orridge.
Disinformation Dossier on The Invisibles
Check out the Disinformation dossier on The Invisibles.
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