Professional violinist, muse to the infamous Aleister Crowley.

Though Leila Waddell has become an iconic figure in twentieth century occultism, precise details of her life are mostly obscure. From her early years in Australia to her career as an international touring musician, her role as paramour and inspiration to the wickedest man in the world, and finally her return to home shores and tragic early death, Laylah: The Life of Leila Waddell is the first and only biography of her to be published.

Thoroughly researched and lovingly written, Laylah shines a light on Leila’s extraordinary career as Australia’s ‘finest violiniste’ and puts to lie Crowley’s assertion that she was no more than a ‘fifth rate fiddler’. While Crowley did not name Leila as one of his Scarlet Women, her impact on his life cannot be denied; it is this publisher’s opinion that she should in fact hold that revered title, and we are privileged to offer this definitive biography of a most beloved woman to our readers.

Contents:

• Our Lady Babalon: An Introduction
• That Ease and Grace Which Shows a True Artist (1880-1909)
• Agatha and Perdurabo (1910)
• Laylah, My Night (1911)
• It’s Nice to be a Devil When You’re One Like Me (1912-1913)
• Love Alway Yieldeth: Love Alway Hardeneth (1914-1923)
• Marked by Charm and Refinement (1924-1932)
• Bibliography