Book description
Aleister Crowley (1875-1947) - mystic, writer, poet, astrologer,
sexual revolutionary, painter, mountain climber and social critic -
has a terrifying reputation. The contemporary press labelled him the
'wickedest man in the world', while he called himself the 'great
beast'. Crowley dabbled in the occult, supported Germany in the First
World War, was addicted to opiates, and many who associated with him
died tragically in mysterious circumstances.
Working from the starting point that behind the demonic reputation
there stood a human being, and that beyond the self-proclaimed black
magician there was a man hungry for publicity and fame, Roger
Hutchinson lifts the smokescreen of mythology to reveal a truly
astonishing figure.
Why did this curious product of the Plymouth Brethren found the
first 'hippy commune' in Sicily? What led this Cambridge graduate to
be celebrated 20 years after his death on the cover of The Beatles'
Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band album? Why did Mussolini
expel him from Italy? Why did a British magazine label him 'the man
we'd like to hang'?
Roger Hutchinson reveals the real Crowley: warts, wickedness,
talent, courage, cowardice and all.
Roger Hutchinson is an award-winning author and journalist. He lives
on the Isle of Raasay.
