Secret Agent 666: Aleister Crowley, British Intelligence, and the Occult

Spence, Richard B.

ISBN 10: 1932595333 / ISBN 13: 9781932595338

Published by Feral House, 2008

380 pages. 9.00x6.00x0.75 inches. In Stock. Seller Inventory # x-1932595333

Synopsis:

Was Aleister Crowley a British spy? A documented investigation into occultism, espionage, and twentieth-century intelligence.

Secret Agent 666 by historian Richard B. Spence examines the long-debated claim that occultist Aleister Crowley operated as an intelligence asset during the first half of the twentieth century. Known as a central figure in modern occultism and a controversial cultural personality, Crowley has been the subject of numerous biographies—but few have focused on his possible connections to British intelligence services. Drawing on archival materials from British, American, French, and Italian sources, Spence presents a detailed argument that Crowley’s travels, associations, and public persona intersected with intelligence operations during both world wars.

The book situates Crowley within the wider context of wartime espionage, propaganda, and political intrigue, exploring alleged links to major historical events and intelligence efforts involving European and international networks. Spence, a historian of intelligence and espionage, analyzes how Crowley’s notoriety may have functioned as both personal mythmaking and potential cover, offering readers a documented look at the blurred boundaries between occult circles, political movements, and intelligence work in the early twentieth century.

Part biography, part intelligence history, Secret Agent 666 has become a widely discussed title among readers of occult history, espionage research, and alternative historical investigation. It appeals to those interested in Aleister Crowley’s life, wartime intelligence networks, and the intersection of esotericism and geopolitics.

A key title for readers of espionage history, occult studies, and twentieth-century political intrigue.

About the Author: Author Richard B. Spence can be seen on various documentaries on the History Channel and is a consultant for Washington, DC’s International Spy Museum. He is also the author of Trust No One: The Secret World of Sidney Reilly (Feral House).

Bibliographic Details

Title: Secret Agent 666: Aleister Crowley, British ...
Publisher: Feral House
Publication Date: 2008
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Brand New