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Correspondence from Captain L.C.R. Cameron [L.C.R. Duncombe Jewell] to S.J. Looker [Constable & Co., Publishers of Laughing Torso]
[Correspondence concerning Constable & Co.'s preparation for the libel suit brought by Aleister Crowley against Nina Hamnett and the publication of her book Laughing Torso.]
Erracht Barracht Hill Hythe
xxiv : IX : 1932 [24 September 1932]
Dear Mr. Looker,
Having seen the report in The Morning Post of the "Laughing Torso" case I think it possible that I might be of some service to you and Miss Hamnett [Nina Hamnett].
I have known Edward Alexander Crowley—which is his correct name, though he has gone under many aliases—since he was a boy of 14: his mother and uncle having been friends of my gather and mother; and have followed the more reputable parts of his very extraordinary career closely, although of the more disreputable I only know by hearsay.
It would help me to decide whether anything I can tell you will be of service to your firm and your Author if you would lend me the book in question for a day or so, indicating the passages to which Crowley objects. You know, of course, that he has himself published come volumes of a book in which there "is no word of truth" about many people, though not about myself. Also you are probably aware of the exposures of his character made by Truth and one of the Sunday newspapers, I think, The Empire News, some few years ago.
If I can be of any service pray command me.
I was sorry you decided not to publish my sporting novel The Lady of the Leash, which, you will remember I left with you on March 7 last. I think you would have found it a "best seller" by this time!
Yours sincerely,
L.C.R. Cameron Capt.
S.J. Looker Esquire Messrs. Constable & Co: Ltd. 10 Orange Street, W.C.2.
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