[Rarebooks] FS: Witchcraft, Magic and Alchemy

[Michael John Thompson]

Witchcraft, Magic & Alchemy


1) INSTITORIS, Heinrich and SPRENGER, Jakob. 
(SUMMERS, Montague. Trans.). MALLEUS MALEFICARUM. 
Translated with an Introduction, Bibliography and 
Notes by the Rev. Montague Summers. London: John 
Rodker. 1928 First Edition in English. THE FIRST 
ENGLISH TRANSLATION, ISSUED IN A LIMITED EDITION 
OF 1275 COPIES, this being copy number 102, 
printed on specially made Dutch paper. Large 
octavo (300 x 190mm) pp. xlv, 278. Publisher’s 
red parchment spine with light brown buckram 
boards. Titles in gilt to spine and Papal 
insignia in gilt to upper. Edges untrimmed with 
plain endpapers. Original pale cream dust jacket 
with titles and blurb printed in blue to upper in 
the shape of a vase or urn. Frontispiece portrait 
of Pope Innocent VIII, title page printed in red 
and black. Text in double columns. A little 
bumping to the head and foot of the fragile 
parchment spine, but essentially a fine copy with 
clean pages. The uncommon dust jacket has had 
some professional restoration, very 
sympathetically undertaken using Japanese tissue 
and careful colouring. An excellent copy, rare in the dust jacket.
¶ An excellent copy of the first title in 
Rodker’s ‘The Church and Witchcraft’ series and 
the first translation into English of this 
notorious witch hunter’s handbook, first 
published in 1487. Coumont [I4.40]; d’Arch Smith [B16].           $1,750.00

2) GUAZZO, Francesco Maria. (SUMMERS, Montague. 
Ed.; ASHWIN, E. A. Trans.). COMPENDIUM 
MALEFICARUM, Collected in 3 Books From Many 
Sources by Brother Francesco Maria Guazzo Showing 
the Iniquitous and Execrable Operations of 
Witches Against the Human Race, and the Divine 
Remedies By Which They May be Frustrated. London: 
John Rodker. 1929. First Edition in English. THE 
FIRST ENGLISH TRANSLATION, ISSUED IN A LIMITED 
EDITION OF 1275 COPIES, this being copy number 
28. Large 8vo. (250 x 190mm). pp. xxi, 206. 
Publisher’s red cloth over black parchment spine 
titled in gilt, pictorial gilt stamp to upper. 
Top edge black, others untrimmed with white 
endpapers. Original light blue dust jacket, 
printed in red and black. Illustrated with 
numerous woodcuts throughout. Small bookseller's 
label to the lower edge of front pastedown and 
usual light offsetting to endpapers, else a fine 
copy of the book. A very good example of the 
uncommon dust jacket with fading to spine and 
edges of the panels, closed tear to lower edge of 
upper panel and some loss to the top edge of the 
lower panel, not affecting text.
¶ The third edition, after 1608 and 1626, and the 
first in English. Summers has provided his usual 
excellent introduction and copious notes, and the 
reproductions of the original woodcuts contain 
many fantastic images. Coumont [G87.3]; d’Arch 
Smith [B21];[B20].           $950.00


3) REMY, Nicolas. (ASHWIN, E. A. Trans. SUMMERS, 
Montague. Ed.). DEMONOLATRY. By Nicolas Remy. 
Privy Councillor to The Most Serene Duke of 
Lorraine, and Public Advocate to his Duchy. In 3 
Books. Drawn From the Capital Trials of 900 
Persons, More or Less, Who Within the Last 
Fifteen Years in Lorraine Paid the Penalty of 
Death for the Crime of Witchcraft. London: John 
Rodker. 1930. First Edition in English. . THE 
FIRST ENGLISH TRANSLATION, ISSUED IN A LIMITED 
EDITION OF 1275 COPIES, this being copy number 
737. Large octavo (250 x 190mm) pp.xliii, 188. 
Publisher’s light grey boards over orange 
parchment spine, titled in gilt. Top edge orange, 
others untrimmed with white endpapers. Original 
yellow dust jacket, printed in red and black. An 
essentially fine copy of the book, with only a 
little browning to endpapers. The spine remains 
bright and fresh and the boards and corners are 
unbumped and clean. The uncommon dust jacket has 
minor rubbing and a small stain at the foot of 
the spine, it has also darkened a little. Overall, an excellent copy.
¶ An excellent copy of this first edition in 
English of Remy’s 1595 work 'Daemonoloatreiae 
Libri Tres', a book which eventually replaced the 
Malleus Maleficarum as the most recognized 
handbook of witch-hunters in certain parts of 
Europe. Coumont [R32.8] d’Arch Smith [B22].               $500.00

4) SCOT, Reginald (SUMMERS, Montague. Ed.). THE 
DISCOVERIE OF WITCHCRAFT by Reginald Scot. With 
an Introduction by Montague Summers. London: John 
Rodker. 1930. New Edition. NEW EDITION, ISSUED IN 
A LIMITED EDITION OF 1275 COPIES, this being copy 
number 55. Large octavo (300 x 190mm) pp.xxxvii, 
[283]. Publisher’s green over rich brown morocco 
spine, titled in gilt. Top edge gilt, others 
untrimmed with white endpapers. Curious woodcuts 
throughout. The prospectus is laid in, it is for 
the American issue (which was identical, 300 
copies were reserved for distribution in 
America). A virtually fine copy with unopened 
pages and unworn binding; and rare thus - the 
leather used for the spine panel is prone to wear 
and chafing; this copy is in exemplary condition, the best we have ever seen.
¶ A New Edition of this work, first published in 
1584 and intended as an exposé of medieval 
witchcraft. Scot set himself to prove that the 
belief in witchcraft and magic was rejected by 
reason and by religion, and that spiritualistic 
manifestations were wilful impostures or 
illusions due to mental disturbance in the 
observers. His aim was to prevent the persecution 
of poor, aged, and simple persons, who were 
popularly credited with being witches. The 
maintenance of the superstition he blamed largely 
on the Roman Catholic Church, and he attacked 
writers including Jean Bodin (1530–1596), author 
of Démonomie des Sorciers (Paris, 1580), and 
Jacobus Sprenger, supposed joint author of 
Malleus Maleficarum (Nuremberg, 1494). Of 
Cornelius Agrippa and Johann Weyer, author of De 
Præstigiis Demonum (Basle, 1566), whose views he 
adopted, he spoke with respect. Scot did adopt 
contemporary superstition, in his references to 
medicine and astrology. He believed in the 
medicinal value of the unicorn's horn, and 
thought that precious stones owed their origin to 
the influence of the heavenly bodies. The book 
also narrates stories of strange phenomena in the 
context of religious convictions. The devil is 
related with such stories and his ability to 
absorb people's souls. The book also gives 
stories of magicians with supernatural powers 
performing in front of courts of kings. His 
volume became an exhaustive encyclopædia of 
contemporary beliefs about witchcraft, spirits, 
alchemy, magic, and legerdemain, as well as 
attracting widespread attention to his scepticism 
on witchcraft. William Shakespeare drew from his 
study of Scot's book hints for his picture of the 
witches in Macbeth, and Thomas Middleton in his 
play of The Witch likewise was indebted to this 
source. Through bibliographies, one may trace 
modern grimoires to this work. The chapter on 
magic tricks in Scot's Discoverie was later 
plagiarised heavily; it was the basis of The Art 
of Juggling (1612) by S. R., and Hocus Pocus 
Junior (1634). Scot's early writings constituted 
a substantial portion (in some cases, nearly all) 
of the text in English-language stage magic books 
of the 17th and 18th centuries. Popular belief 
has long held that all obtainable copies of the 
1584 edition were burned by King James VI and I, 
author of Dæmonologie (1597), a work which 
refutes the writings of both Scot and Weyer.            $650.00

5) POTTS, Thomas (Edited and introduced by G. B. 
Harrison). THE TRIAL OF THE LANCASTER WITCHES 
A.D. MDCXII. Edited with an Introduction by G.B. 
Harrison. [Being a modern edition of 'The 
Wonderfull Discoverie of Witches in the Countie 
of Lancaster', London, 1613]. London: Peter 
Davies. 1929 First Printing of this Edition. 
First Printing of this Edition, with new material 
by G.B. Harrison. Octavo, original buckram, spine 
titled in gilt. xlvi, 188 pp. Minor tanning to 
edges of the cloth, otherwise a fine copy. The 
original dust jacket, printed in black and red, 
is present, it is lightly browned along the spine 
and the price corner on the front flap is clipped 
but it is overall a near fine example. A very scarce book in this condition.
¶ Aside from the Introductory matter, the work is 
a facsimile reprinting of Thomas Pott's 'THE 
WONDERFVLL DISCOVERIE OF WITCHES IN THE COVNTIE 
OF LANCASTER. With the Arraignement and Triall of 
Nineteene notorious Witches, at the Assizes and 
general Gaole deliuerie, holden at the Castle of 
Lancaster, upon Monday, the seuenteenth of August 
last, 1612. Before Sir Iames Altham, and Sir 
Edward Browmley, Knights; Barons of his Maiesties 
Court of Exchequer: and Iustices of Assize, Oyer 
and Terminor, and generall Gaole Deliuerie in the 
circuit of the North parts. Together with the 
Arraignement and Triall of Iennet Preston, at the 
Assizes holden at the Castle of Yorke, the seuen 
and twentieth dauy of Iulie past, with her 
Execution for the murther of Master Lister by 
Witchcraft. Published and set forth by 
commandement of his Maiesties Iustices of Assize 
in the North Part. By Thomas Potts, Esquier. 
London, Printed by W. Stansby for Iohn Barnes, 
dwelling neare Holborne Conduit. 1613'.             $225.00

6) SHARPE, Charles Kirkpatrick, Esq. A HISTORICAL 
ACCOUNT OF THE BELIEF OF WITCHCRAFT IN SCOTLAND. 
London & Glasgow.: Hamilton, Adams & Co., / 
Thomas D. Morison. 1884 First Edition, First 
Printing. First Edition. Octavo, original red 
cloth, printed paper label on spine panel. 268 pp 
+ [4] pp publisher's ads at rear. Old ink name on 
front free endpaper, corners a trifle bumped, 
small ink stain on spine panel; very good.          $125.00

7) LENORMANT, Francois. LA MAGIE CHEZ LES 
CHALDEENS Et Les Origines Accadiennes. Paris: 
Maisonneuve et Cie. 1874. First Edition, First 
Printing. First Edition. Octavo, bound in full 
brown cloth titled in gilt on spine, original 
wrappers bound in at rear. 362 pp. Ink name, 
address and date on half-title leaf; a very good clean copy. Rare.
¶ The true first edition, the work was translated 
into English and published as 'Chaldean Magic: 
Its Origin And Development' by Samuel Bagster in 
1877. Lenormant examines the demonology and 
magical traditions of the ancient Chaldeans, 
including the uses of talismans, the invocations 
of demons, spirits and elementals and the 
banishment of evil spirits and diseases. He also 
compares Chaldean sorcery to Egyptian magic, 
drawing parallels and contrasts between the two 
occult traditions. He also traces the influence 
Chaldean magic had on the later Persian Magi and 
the development of Zoroastrianism.                 $150.00

8) SERGEANT. Philip W. WITCHES AND WARLOCKS. With 
an Introduction by Arthur Machen. With 17 
Illustrations. London: Hutchinson & Co., [1936]. 
Third Impression. Third Impression of the First 
Edition. Octavo, original light brown clothblack 
titles on spine. 290 pp + 20 page publisher's 
catalogue dated Spring, 1941, bound in at rear. 
15 full-page black & white plates. Heraldic 
bookplate of John Bennett of Norton Bavant & 
Pythouse on front paste-down, ink name & date on 
front free endpape, some pencil notes. Covered a 
bit scuffed, a good to very good copy. Affixed to 
the front endpaper is a small envelope containing 
3 pages of small handwritten notes on 'The 
Ooser'. The enveloped is titled 'The Ooser. Notes 
compiled by Lt. Col. C.D. Drew, Curator Dorset 
Natural History & Archaeological Society, Dorset 
County Museum, Doset. 22nd December 1945". The 
notes, in a fine hand, all pertin to the Dorset 
'Ooser', a picture of which is in the present volume.
¶ The work is divided into four parts. Part I 
discusses witchcraft in general; Part II concerns 
witch-hunts in Lancashire, Essex (England) and in 
Salem, Massachusetts as well as modern instances; 
Part III is devoted to magicians, and in 
particular to Dr. John Dee; Part IV includes 
sections on "Lady Witches", and "Hoodoo."             $95.00

9) SCOTT, Sir Walter. CRUIKSHANK, George 
[illustrator]. LETTERS ON DEMONOLOGY AND 
WITCHCRAFT, ADDRESSED TO J. G.  LOCKHART, ESQ. 
London: John Murray. 1831. Second Edition. 12mo. 
Contemporary gilt ruled polished burgundy calf 
over marbled paper boards, gilt decorated spine 
with raised bands, gilt titles, marbled 
endpapers, all edges gilt, a fine binding by Root 
& Son, London. x, 396pp. Illustrated with an 
engraved frontispiece, plus 12 finely engraved 
plates by George Cruikshank. First issued in 1830 
without the Cruikshank illustrations, which were 
issued separately. A fine copy in a fine binding.             $350.00

10) FLAMEL, Nicholas. NICHOLAS FLAMEL'S 
HIEROGLYPHICAL KEY. Being an Explication of 
Alchemical Figures Which he Caused to be Painted 
upon an Arch in St. Innocents Church Yard, Paris. 
Translated from the French by Eirenaeus Orandus, 
1624. With a Preface by William Wynn Westcott, 
Supreme Magus, S.R.I.A. Seattle: Ouroboros Press 
2014 First Edition Thus. First Printing. Small 
octavo, the 'Brazen Serpent' Edition, being one 
of 26 special copies hand bound in a full leather 
Cambridge Style Binding by Michael Atha of 
Restoration Books. Hand marbled endsheets. 127 
pp, frontispiece, illustrated with emblematic 
engravings, folding plate of the Hieroglyphical 
Figures. A fine copy.  Fine. Leather Bound.
¶ Nicholas Flamel’s Hieroglyphical Key is offered 
with two additional texts; 'Summary of 
Philosophy' and his 'Testament'. The quality of 
the emblematic engravings in the Ouroboros Press 
edition are exquisite and are reproduced in crisp 
offset printing.            $500.00

11) CHUMBLEY, Andrew D. THE DRAGON-BOOK OF ESSEX. 
Grimorium Synomosia Dracotaos. An Enchiridion of 
the Crooked Path, Being a Grammar of 
Quintessential Sorcery, Containing the Sacred 
Rites and Formulae Undertaken in the Mysteries of 
the Great Dragon. Transmitted through the Circle 
of Four Watchers, Seen and Unseen, and Here Set 
Forth By the Hand of Alogos Dhul' Qarnen Khidir, 
Andrew D. Chumbley. No Place: Xoanon 2014 First 
Edition, First Printing. First Edition. Large 
Thick Quarto, original red cloth stamped in 
black. 834 pp., single volume. Containing 
numerous illustrations and sigillae by the author 
throughout. Issued in an edition limited to 808 
hand-numbered copies. A fine copy without dust 
jacket as issued. Note: This is a very large, 
heavy, oversized volume, substantial additional 
postage will be required from Overseas buyers. Fine. Hardcover.
¶ Following the Azoëtia, The Dragon Book of Essex 
represents the second work of Chumbley’s 
three-book magical opus the Trimagisterion. From 
this period of work, Chumbley formulated ‘Crooked 
Path Sorcery’ as a trans-historical magical 
model, operant in a number of systems of sorcery, 
most notably in the witchcraft of his native 
Essex. The Crooked Path may be seen to mirror the 
zoötype of the Serpent, wending between such 
magical antipodes as blessing and cursing, honour 
and treachery, Tabu and its breaking. Its 
quintessential nature is transgressive, and 
through this apostasy, the illuminant fire of the 
Serpent descends. This substantial work expounds 
the sorcerous ethos and praxes of the Crooked 
Path ritual system. Its contents include a cycle 
of ten extensive Mystery-rites, each accompanied 
by adjunctive solitary rituals and detailed 
commentaries. Additional texts relate the 
intricacies of Sabbatic ritualization, as well as 
an extensive body of stellar lore and ritual. The 
Sorcerous Formulae of Number and Sign are also 
communicated, together with detailed exegeses of 
the Quadriga, the specific covine-type of the 
Crooked Path. A detailed section on the Magical 
Weapons of the Draconian Sorcerer complements the 
text. This work is intended as an entire resumé 
of the ancestral and ophidian components of 
Traditional Craft Sorcery and Sabbatic Gnosis. 
The Dragon Book of Essex originally comprised a 
portion of the rites and practices of an inner 
conclave of the Cultus Sabbati known as The 
Column of the Crooked Path. Central to the 
Draconian ritual cycle is the enfleshment of the 
primordial Serpent of Eld both within the body of 
the practitioner as the First Sorcerer Azha-Cain, 
and within the earth of the World-Field as the 
Dragon Azhdeha. This dual-natured work is 
realised through rites of bodily sacrifice unto 
the Serpent, and subsequently through a year-long 
cycle of practices. These rites, being solar, 
lunar, and stellar in nature, transfix the 
celestial attributes of the Dragon’s Body within 
the telluric ritual arena and the sensorium of 
the practitioner. A private initiatic edition of 
ten copies, each having three volumes, was 
published in 1997. Subsequently, other sections 
of the book were diffused through the Cultus’ 
outer sodality, ‘The Companie of the Serpent 
Cross’ for private study and solitary work. This 
first public release of the Dragon-Book 
incorporates refinements to the text made by the 
author in 1998, 2000, 2001, and 2003, as well as 
corrections and marginalia from his own personal 
working copy and never-before-seen illustrations.             $550.00


Prices are in Canadian funds, Post extra.



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