The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.
(John Milton, Paradise Lost)
As the inaugural title in our new format, inspired by the 15th-century Books of Hours, we proudly present the unique poetry of Milenko Županović in our new series, Raphus Press Prayer Books: The Cult of Dead, which draws clearly from heretical inspiration. Milenko’s short, fast-paced poems—familiar to readers from his previous collection released by Raphus Press, Mystic Rituals, now out of print—exhibit an expressionist style that resembles lightning flashing across a dark firmament. In a sense, they serve as updated prayers, making them an ideal choice to inaugurate our new format by proposing a devotion that ventures into much darker shores.
The Cult of the Dead, hard cover in special format, limited edition (35 copies only, numbered) printed in fine paper, 4.7 x 7.4 in (120 x 190mm), 44 pages, illustrated, available for shipment in 25-35 days. Pre-order via PayPal. Soon, it would be available at our partner Ziesings. Only USD 30.00, including mail expenses.

The Cult of the Dead + International mail expenses: USD 30.00

The opinion of our readers

Golden Age of Clairvoyance
"Well I have received the books today and I had certain high expectations and I must say such high expectations were well exceeded. The selectivity of the authors as I may have mentioned before (both individually and in combination) and translations are impeccable. The book design is exquisite and enhances the holistic reading experience (by way of comparison, on first seeing the books I had the same sense of elation when I had received my first Sylph Edition Cahiers a few years ago)."
(Andrew Condous)
"The books look really nice - I'm especially liking the full-color images inside. Very good design."
(Damian Murphy)
"The chapbooks are beautiful. Well done! Equally engaging for the eye and mind."
(Rachel Kinbar)
 "The initial print-run of all three is, of course, low, so any interested readers should make a quick decision; because I do hope Raphus continue on their path of intriguing little translations of the recovered uncanny and esoteric."
​(Mark Andresen at Pan Review)
The great weird and fantastic connoisseur, Des Lewis, made an insightful review of Black Mirror, the second chapbook in the series, available in this link.
Spiritual Meaning of the Massacres
"​Many thanks for sending me a copy of The Mendicant. It really looks rather good – a bit like one of the books you read about in short stories that start off ‘Beware if you read these words... too late!"
(Stephen Cashmore)
"It's a marvelous production, and it's great that you have resurrected the remarkable title piece. I also enjoyed the pamphlet (...). Long may Raphus Press reign!"
(Chris Mikul)
"I am absolutely delighted with them [The Mendicant of the Books and The Sacred Abysmal Perspective]!  They are both true examples of true and original creative philosophical ingenuity, originality and also design. They are fantastickal chapbooks and it is an equal delight to have been able to contribute and to assist in other ways. Although I saw the proofed editions when you e-mailed them to me, now that they are in my hands, they veritably glow and crackle and weep with their malign embers. 

I shall take myself off on a sacred journey this weekend, like the early priests going to Tibet, and will immerse myself in the deep folds and ravines these chapbooks open up."
​(Jonathan Wood)