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Correspondence from Aleister Crowley to Israel Regardie
1A Wuertsburgerstasse. Berlin.
Oct 29 '30
My dear Mr. Regardie.
Now that poor Aleister has been cut off in the midst of his sins, there is no reason for concealing the strange truth any longer. It must often have struck you as remarkable that he should have been brought up at two public schools, chosen both a diplomatic and a medical career, been so saintly and so deboshed a character, so liked and so detested, seen in London while he was lying ill in Sicily—and so on.
The explanation is however simple. He and I were twins. The fact was concealed by our parents, even from the Registrar, for reasons connected with the creed of the Plymouth Brethren.
We took this a great joke, and encouraged people to make mistakes. We were not really very much alike, yet sufficiently so to deceive careless observers, short-sighted people etc. We even practised similar handwritings. In this way, we could ring the changes; we often found it convenient to replace each other from time to time. There were occasions when accident nearly led to discovery, but we have always hitherto been able to throw dust in the eyes of the world.
It is really necessary to disclose the secret now, as the situation may lead to serious difficulties with regard to the probate of poor Aleister's will, especially as Mr. Gerald Yorke, the executor, hardly ever saw him at all. I replaced him (Aleister) frequently, as he was useful to both of us, and he disliked Aleister.
I am, dear Mr. Regardie, yours sincerely.
Edwd Alexr Crowley
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