The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs

An exploration of the origins, influences, and legacy of the scandalous Hell-Fire Clubs of the 18th century and beyond
• Reveals the club's origins in the work of Rabelais and the magical practices of John Dee and how their motto, "Do What You Will," deeply influenced Aleister Crowley
• Explores the cross-fertilization of liberty and libertinage within these clubs that influenced both U.S. and French Revolutions
• Examines the debaucherous activities and famous members of many Hell-Fire Clubs, including Sir Francis Dashwood's Monks of Medmenham
Mention the Hell-Fire Clubs and you conjure up an image of aristocratic rakes cutting a swath through the village maidens. Which is true, but not the whole truth. The activities of these clubs of upper-class Englishmen revolved around not only debauchery but also blasphemy, ritual, quasi-magical pursuits, and political intrigue.
Providing a history of these infamous clubs, Geoffrey Ashe reveals their...