Maurice Nicoll, Secret Sex Magus – Soirée & Book Signing

Maurice Nicoll (1884-1953) was a lifelong explorer of the occult and the human mind, mainly remembered as a proponent of the mystic Gurdjieff. However, as Gary Lachman's new book reveals, he was also a sex mage who should be recognised alongside Austin Osman Spare, Naglowska, Crowley, and Craddock.

In this in-person event, Nicoll's biographer Gary Lachman discusses the little-known facts of the magician's life with Christina Oakley Harrington on the Treadwell's sofa. They talk about Nicoll's psychiatry background, his direct studies with Jung and his engagement with the work of Gurdjieff – all of which underpinned the secret magico-sexual work that later absorbed him for years. Lachman then moves on to the details of Nicholl's private diaries and explains why we should acknowledge him as as one of the greats of 20th-century erotic occultism. Afterwards, the audience will be invited to participate in a Q&A, before going upstairs for a drinks soirée and informal chats. Lachman will also be signing copies of his new book on Nicoll's life (see below).

Lachman's new biography, Maurice Nicoll: Forgotten Teacher of the Fourth Way  (Hardback, £25.00) is a deep dive into Nicoll's life, exploring his “self-sex” erotic experimentations to reach visionary states, dream records and mystical reflections. It also gives a vivid portrait of the occult scene between 1900 and 1950, including some of its bohemian communal living situations. Attendees are invited to purchase a copy of the book alongside their ticket, if they so choose. 

Gary Lachman has been writing about mysticism, occultism, philosophy and the Western Mystery Tradition since the 1990s. He is the author of many well-regarded books, including biographies on Aleister Crowley, Madame Blavatsky and Carl Jung. He is also a regular contributor to several journals in the UK, US and Europe, including Fortean Times, Quest and Fenris Wolf. Many will also know him as Gary Valentine, a founding member and the original bass guitarist of the rock band Blondie.