Today, professor emeritus of history at the University of Idaho, Dr. Richard B. Spence, joins Getting Spooked to discuss his research into espionage, intelligence activity, occultism, and fringe groups. Reid and I ask about his method of research and the habits that he would recommend any layman dabbling in the historical arts to follow. His book Secret Agent 666, which I would recommend, considers the possibility that Aleister Crowley’s occultist activity may have been cover for intelligence work that spanned both World Wars. Another exploration that I have yet to read, Trust No One: The Secret World of Sidney Reilly is a historical investigation into a mysterious spy who has historically been painted in a James Bond-esque, positive light, but Spence complicates the matter with his trademark fastidious archival research. He currently cohosts the Strange as It Seems podcast with Stephen Austin, which I think many listeners of this program would likely enjoy. My thanks to Dr. Spence for joining us and I recommend all listeners check out his books and other releases, such as his work with The Great Courses Plus.
Tanner has a bit of an echo at points, sorry about that.
Episode art is La salle d’armes by René Magritte.
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Music:
Klaus Wiese - “Alchemy of Happiness”
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