Aleister Crowley
John D. Burns
For the latest Scots Whay Hae! podcast we welcome back writer, storyteller, and mountaineer John D. Burns – a guest previously when he talked about his novel Sky Dance as well as his fascinating life.
During that chat he happened to mention his one-man Edinburgh show about infamous occultist Aleister Crowley, and we thought we just had to talk to John again to learn more about this controversial historical figure.
We discuss how a shared love of mountaineering sparked this interest in Crowley, the man’s links to Inverness and the Highlands, how Burns’ Edinburgh show was an attempt to discover the truth behind the legend, Crowley’s proto-tabloid notoriety in London society and beyond, his resurrection as a cultural icon in the 1960s and ’70s, the continued popularity of Crowley among some devotees, and much more.
If you thought you knew about Aleister Crowley, then this may change your mind*. If you have no idea who he is and what he was famous for, prepare to be educated, informed and intrigued. It’s a fascinating insight into one of the 20th centuries most divisive and demonised figures. Deservedly so? Listen in and decide for yourself.
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We will continue to bring you many and varied SWH! podcasts in the coming weeks and months. In the meantime you can always check out our back catalogue of over 140 interviews with some of the most interesting names in Scottish culture, including our Scottish Opera series and the Glasgow Film Festival 2020 podcasts.
* If you would like to know more about Aleister Crowley then here are links to John’s own podcasts concerning the man: Aleister Crowley Mountaineer – Part 1 Aleister Crowley Mountaineer – Part 2 Disaster on Kanchenjunga