THE DAILY NEWS AND WESTMINSTER GAZETTE

London, England

4 February 1930

(page 5)

“MYSTIC’S” LECTURE BANNED.

OXFORD SURPRISE.

A lecture which was to have been given last night to the Oxford University Poetry Society by Mr. Aleister Crowley, the “mystic,” was cancelled, the secretary of the society having learned that “disciplinary action” would be taken against members if the lecture were given.

The lecture was to have been on the subject of Gilles de Rais, the fifteenth century magician and the historical prototype of “Bluebeard.”

Crowley has written extensively on black magic and is reputed to have practiced it. The French authorities ordered him to leave the country in May of last year.

Last night sandwichmen paraded Oxford with posters stating that the “banned” lecture would be printed and on sale to-day.