Franz Bardon

Franz Bardon (1909-1958) is regarded by many as the greatest Hermetic adept of the 20th century. Czech born, Bardon managed during his lifetime to combine the roles of stage magician, industrial mechanic, and family man, with that of extraordinary adepthood. During the second world war, he was confined to a concentration camp for three and a half years. After the war Bardon concentrated on the teaching of Hermetics and the writing of his books. He also practised as a Naturopath. Unfortunately his work was interrupted abruptly in 1958 when he was arrested during one of Czechoslovakia's communist purges, allegedly for non-payment of tax on alcohol used in his herbal preparations. He died soon after, under "unusual circumstances", in a prison hospital. Franz Bardon was a tireless worker for the light and left behind him four legendary books which have become recognised classics of occult literature.