"On the Track of the Beast: Uncovering Aleister Crowley's Intelligence Connections"

September 9th
Rick Spence - History

Abstract: Aleister Crowley, the self-proclaimed Great Beast 666, attained his greatest fame, or infamy, as the preeminent occultist of the 20th century. However, Crowley also played another, and heretofore unappreciated, role during his long career (1875-1947): informer, provocateur and all-around asset for British intelligence. Professor Spence will describe how he negotiated the peculiarities and pitfalls of researching in a "culture of secrecy"--intelligence agencies and occult organizations--to reveal Crowley's hidden exploits. He'll also discuss how Crowley's activities fit a wider pattern of intertwining connections between the occult and secret services.