How Long to Read The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs

How Long Does it Take to Read The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs?

It takes the average reader 5 hours and 8 minutes to read The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs by Geoffrey Ashe

Assuming a reading speed of 250 words per minute. Learn more

Description

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 origins in the work of François Rabelais and the activities of John Dee. He shows how the Hell-Fire Clubs’ anything-goes philosophy of “Do what you will”--also Aleister Crowley’s famous motto--and community template were drawn directly from Rabelais. The author looks at the very first Hell-Fire Club, founded by Philip, Duke of Wharton, in 1720 and then at the Society of the Dilettanti, a fraternity formed in 1732. Ashe examines the life, travels, and influences of Sir Francis Dashwood, founding member of the Society of the Dilettanti and the scandalous Permissive Society at Medmenham, also known as the Monks of Medmenham. He also explores other Hell-Fire clubs the movement inspired throughout England, Scotland, and Ireland, including the violence-prone Mohocks and the Appalling Club. He shows how many illustrious figures of the day were members of these societies, such as Lord Byron. He also examines the rumors that Benjamin Franklin was a member, an allegation that can be neither confirmed nor denied. Exploring the political and magical ideas that fueled this movement, the author shows how the cross-fertilization of liberty and libertinage within the Hell-Fire Clubs went on to influence both the U.S. and French revolutions, as well as the hippie movement of the 1960s, the Church of Satan founded by Anton LaVey, and the motorcycle club known as the Hells Angels. The legacy of the Hell-Fire Clubs continues to impact society, beckoning both elite and outsider to cast aside social norms and “do what you will.”

How long is The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs?

The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs by Geoffrey Ashe is 304 pages long, and a total of 77,216 words.

This makes it 103% the length of the average book. It also has 94% more words than the average book.

How Long Does it Take to Read The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs Aloud?

The average oral reading speed is 183 words per minute. This means it takes 7 hours and 1 minute to read The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs aloud.

What Reading Level is The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs?

The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs is suitable for students ages 12 and up.

Note that there may be other factors that effect this rating besides length that are not factored in on this page. This may include things like complex language or sensitive topics not suitable for students of certain ages.

When deciding what to show young students always use your best judgement and consult a professional.

Where Can I Buy The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs?

The Secret History of the Hell-Fire Clubs by Geoffrey Ashe is sold by several retailers and bookshops. However, Read Time works with Amazon to provide an easier way to purchase books.

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