Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to the Washington Post

[2 October 1916]

Protests He is not the Author of Book Written by Stuart X

Editor Post: I am at a loss to conceive how I obtained a reputation for playing practical jokes upon the universe, but I have it.

Recently, I wrote an imbecile introduction to a book by “Stuart X,” [A Prophet in His Own Country] who is a solid—in fact, unusually solid—citizen of Washington, D.C., and really exists, so far as anything really exists, and really wrote the book published under his name.

Now all Europe is pleased to support that I simply invented “Stuart X,” as I have so often done with authors and the more I protest, and the more “Stuart X” protests, that he is a real person the more flattering become the letters that I receive with regard to my cleverness in creating him. They all say: “No, it won’t do, Crowley; we know you.”

I have tried photographs, specimens of handwriting, evidence of independent persons of perfect integrity who swear to his separate existence; all only goes to show my determination and ability to keep up my practical joke.

As Anatole France is the latest victim I feel compelled to appeal to you for advice.

But I am afraid that even if you appointed a commission to explore the wilds of Washington, “Stuart X” lives within a stone’s throw of the coyotes in the zoo—my friends would only say “Good for Crowley! He fooled even The Washington Post!”

Que faire?

I can only reiterate, between spasms of helpless laughter, that “Stuart X” is a real person not myself.

Aleister Crowley.

Bristol, N.H.