Alan Richardson (2) (1951–)

I am an outsider regarding occultism. I read a bit here and there, and am generally sympathetic. It's just that my own practices flow in other channels.

I found this book to be informative and useful. It's a great idea to compare these leading figures, and very effective at getting across a high level perspective on what's going on. I suppose if I were going to improve it, maybe I would add in a few more leading figures of the times. How does Manly Palmer Hall fit in here, etc.

Anyway, this is very much a side dish, but tasty and nutritious all the same.… (mer)

Interesting comparison of the magical careers of two major figures in 20th century magic. The authors methods of starting with the last decades of their lives and working backwards is a little odd and makes it difficult to follow. Richardson also seems a bit preoccupied with Crowley's buggery. I mean, its not as though Crowley hid his sexuality, so it is not a sign of great perspicuity to realize that the man was bisexual. I was unaware of rumors that Fortune was either a man in drag or a lesbian. Richardson brings these rumors up to dismiss them. The main point I derived from the book was that Fortune had more direct contacts with Crowley than I would have expected, even in the small world of British occultism. Worth reading for anyone who is interested in Thelema or in the history of the ritual magic orders of the time.… (mer)