This is Dr Israel Regardie's extended commentary on his years with the Great Beast and the life and works of his infamous former employer. Moreover, the book is an attempt at an insightful, if not completely objective, analysis of the psychological processes that caused Crowley to tick so peculiarly. At the same time Regardie's observations might also give us some insight as to what might have been making Regardie tick so peculiarly. He recognised that the brilliance of Crowley's genius transcended and eclipsed his myriad (and serious) human flaws; he recognized it was his duty to mankind his duty to the advancement of human thought to allow the world to see the blazing sun of Crowley's genius and the soul-liberating message he tried to deliver. This book also represents the opening of Regardie s own eye to the spiritual significance of Crowley's contribution to the evolution of human consciousness, and to the importance of his own vital role and responsibility in presenting it to the world.
Israel Regardie (1907-1985) was an Adept of the Golden Dawn and he was one of the greatest exponents of the Western Esoteric Tradition of the 20th century. He was also an initiate of Aleister Crowley's Order of the A.·. A.·., and he was a IXth degree initiate of Crowley's O.T.O. It was his aim to preserve the teachings and work of the Golden Dawn and Aleister Crowley. His success in this task has profoundly influenced occult thought. From the age of 21, Regardie worked as Crowley's personal secretary. During this period, until their bitter parting, Regardie was one of the few who knew Crowley well. He was one of the few who were qualified to provide first-hand, personal insight into the character and personality of one of the major figures in Western Magick. In addition to his extensive writings, Regardie practiced as a chiropractor and as a neo-Reichian therapist. He taught Psychiatry at the Los Angeles College of Chiropractic and contributed articles to many Psychology magazines. Regardie's most profound work, The Complete Golden Dawn System of Magic, is a 1200 page book published by New Falcon Publications; a company he founded with his student Dr. Christopher Hyatt. The book is currently available in three different editions: a) 1200 page hard bound with index; b) eBook with the same material; and c) a new portable edition as a soft cover. Today Regardie's work is being preserved and perpetuated by New Falcon Publications and the Israel Regardie Foundation.