The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs: From Rabelais and John Dee to Anton Lavey and Timothy Leary

Format: Paperback Language: English ISBN: 1591433487 ISBN13: 9781591433484 Release Date: October 2019 Publisher: Bear & Company Length: 304 Pages Weight: 1.15 lbs. Dimensions: 0.8" x 5.9" x 8.9" An exploration of the origins, influences, and legacy of the scandalous Hell-Fire Clubs of the 18th century and beyond - Reveals the club's origins in the work of Rabelais and the magical practices of John Dee and how their motto, "Do What You Will," deeply influenced Aleister Crowley - Explores the cross-fertilization of liberty and libertinage within these clubs that influenced both U.S. and French Revolutions - Examines the debaucherous activities and famous members of many Hell-Fire Clubs, including Sir Francis Dashwood's Monks of Medmenham Mention the Hell-Fire Clubs and you conjure up an image of aristocratic rakes cutting a swath through the village maidens. Which is true, but not the whole truth. The activities of these clubs of upper-class Englishmen revolved