|
Correspondence from Frank N. Jones to Philip Kaplan
The Peabody Institute of the City of Baltimore Baltimore 2, Maryland
Mr. Philip Kaplan 4717 39th Avenue Long Island City 4, New York
January 28, 1960
Dear Mr. Kaplan:
Your letter of January 22d is much appreciated and we are happy to know that we may include your Crowley portraits in our forthcoming show. We also expect to display the bound manuscripts of Crowley and a copy of his collected poems in three volumes printed on vellum.
As we are using the terms "Black magic" and "White magic" I do not feel that there is any derogatory implication attached to either one or the other. Historically "Black magic" stems from the Christian condemnation of resort to spirits and demons as pagan and anti-religious. It has been perpetuated in every generation since through the understandable desire to add color and drama to conjuring and legerdemain with a background of mystic appeal derived from the world of spirits: good, bad or indifferent; real or unreal.
In assembling our material for display we have no intention of suggesting a formal separation of that which is good and that which is evil beyond setting forth the historical facts as above. Indeed, we hope that we can avoid anything that might imply we are trying to influence individual opinion among those who visit the show.
I feel sure from what little I know of Crowley's position in this field that his fame and distinction will sturdily repel captious misunderstandings that could arise, and I assure you that we shall do everything we can to prevent them from arising.
Sincerely yours,
Frank N. Jones Director
|