STATEMENT OF CLAIM

[Forsyte Kerman & Phillips, Solicitors for Aleister Crowley]

Writ issued the 14th day of September 1932

[Correspondence concerning the libel suit brought by Aleister Crowley

against Nina Hamnett and the publication of her book Laughing Torso.]

Forsyte Kerman & Phillips

Solicitors

9 Carlos Place,

Grosvenor Square,

W.1.

31 October 1932

CROWLEY

v.

CONSTABLE & COMPANY LTD & OTHERS

IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE

CHANCERY DIVISION

Mr. Justice Maugham

1932 C. No. 3651

BETWEEN:

EDWARD ALEXANDER CROWLEY      Plaintiff

and

CONSTABLE & COMPANY LTD.         Defendant

Charles Whittingham & Griggs

(Printers) Ltd. and Nina Hamnett

STATEMENT OF CLAIM

1. The first Defendants are the publishers, the second Defendants the printers and the third Defendant the authoress of a book entitled "Laughing Torso"

2. In the year 1932 the Defendants falsely and maliciously printed and published in the said book to divers members of the public amongst whom the said book was circulated, of and concerning the Plaintiff the words following that is to say:—

"In the Quarter was a very celebrated artist's model. She was very beautiful and everyone had enjoyed her favours except Crowley. Someone said to A.C., "You really must take her out to supper and see what she is really like". The next morning everyone was having breakfast in the Dome and Crowley appeared. They cried "Hullo A.C., what was it like?" and he said rather grimly, "It was rather like waving a flag in space".

and also the words following:—

"Crowley had a temple in Cefalu in Sicily. He was supposed to practise Black Magic there, and one day a baby was said to have disappeared mysteriously. There was also a goat there. This all pointed to Black Magic, so people said, and the inhabitants of the village were frightened of him".

3. By reason of the premises the Plaintiff has been injured in his credit and reputation.

The Plaintiff clams damages.

G. Gallop.

DELIVERED this 31st of October 1932 by Forsyte Kerman & Phillips, of 9 Carlos Place, Grosvenor Square, W.1.

Solicitors for the Plaintiff.

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