Aleister Crowley, the greatest Magus of the twentieth century, redefined the very basis of the Western Esoteric Tradition. His incalculably vast influence reaches through all modern occultism. Whether acknowledged or not, he is the father of the modern arts of ceremonial magick, western tantra, tarot and wicca. His devotees ascribe even greater significance to his life, regarding him as the Prophet of the Modern Age. In 1928, at the age of 53, Crowley was living in Paris when Israel Regardie, a 21 year old disciple, nervously presented himself to become Crowley's personal secretary. Thus began the most significant relationship of Regardie's life. Although they were to have a bitter parting some time later, this experience caused Regardie to devote his next five decades to spreading Crowley's message and tending the flame of his memory -- at a time when that was an unpopular, unrewarding and lonely task. This book provides an accurate, humorous and brilliantly insightful look into the man whom many still regard as "The Wickedest Man in the World". Fasten your seat belts and get ready to enter the magical world of Aleister Crowley as seen through the eyes of Israel Regardie.
Israel Regardie (1907-1985) was an Adept of the Golden Dawn and he was one of the greatest exponents of the Western Esoteric Tradition of the 20th century. He was also an initiate of Aleister Crowley's Order of the A.·. A.·., and he was a IXth degree initiate of Crowley's O.T.O. It was his aim to preserve the teachings and work of the Golden Dawn and Aleister Crowley. His success in this task has profoundly influenced occult thought. From the age of 21, Regardie worked as Crowley's personal secretary. During this period, until their bitter parting, Regardie was one of the few who knew Crowley well. He was one of the few who were qualified to provide first-hand, personal insight into the character and personality of one of the major figures in Western Magick. In addition to his extensive writings, Regardie practiced as a chiropractor and as a neo-Reichian therapist. He taught Psychiatry at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and contributed articles to many Psychology magazines. Regardie's most profound work, The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic, is a 1200 page book published by New Falcon Publications; a company he founded with his student Dr. Christopher Hyatt. The book is currently available in three different editions: a) 1200 page hard bound with index; b) eBook with the same material; and c) a new portable edition as a soft cover. Today Regardie's work is being preserved and perpetuated by New Falcon Publications and the Israel Regardie Foundation.
