THE LINCOLNSHIRE ECHO

Lincoln, Lincolnshire, England

7 November 1934

(page 6)

WHITE AND BLACK MAGIC.

Mr. Aleister Crowley's Appeal.

"No ordinary persons know the difference between white and black magic," said Lord Justice Greer to-day during the "black magic" libel action in the Court of Appeal.

Mr. Aleister Crowley, the author, appealed from the judgment against him in the action he brought against Miss Nina Hamnett, authoress of "Laughing Torso," Messrs. Constable and Co., Ltd., publishers, and Messrs. Charles Whittingham and Briggs, publishers. He complained of the summing-up of Mr. Justice Swift.

The book he said imputed that he had practised black magic in Cefalu, in Sicily. He denied having done anything of the kind, and said that black magic was for the most part criminal and foul.

WHY DEFAMATORY?

Mr. J. P. Eddy, on his behalf, submitted that it was perfectly open to a properly directed jury to give him a verdict. "In fact it was the only course open to them."

Lord Justice Roche asked why was an imputation of black magic defamatory.

Counsel replied that some people practised what was called white magic.

"Some people practise what is alleged to be black magic. To my simple faith it means nothing, but the plaintiff says there is a vital difference between the two."

After remarking that no ordinary persons knew the difference between white and black magic, Lord Justice Greer added, "I should have thought they were both nonsense."

Mr. Eddy: I am not suggesting otherwise.