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Correspondence from Charles Harper [Waterhouse & Co., Solicitors for Constable & Co.] to Michael Sadleir [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.]
Waterhouse & Co. Solicitors 10 & 12 Bishopsgate, London, E.C.2.
16th December 1932
"LAUGHING TORSO"
Dear Sadleir,
Crowley's solicitors have applied for the action to be transferred to the Kings Bench Division and the order has been made. Certain formalities have to be gone through but it will be ready after Christmas to be entered in the list for trial.
It is the rule for libel actions to be tried by a Judge with a jury, either a special or a common jury. A special jury costs the party who asks for it thirteen guineas. No one has asked for it and I do not think Crowley is likely to produce the money. The difference between special and common jurors is the amount of money qualification, the common juror is generally of the small shopman type. Subject to what our counsel may think I am of opinion that—if the action ever comes to trial—we should do better with a common jury than with a special. I think the common person would be more disgusted with Crowley.
Yours sincerely,
Charles S.J. Harper
Michael Sadleir, Esq., 10 & 12, Orange Street, Leicester Square, W.C.2.
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