|
Basileae, Per Joannem Oporinum, 1566.
8vo (18 cm). 745 pp + (66) pp (index).
Binding: Very fine original 16th century
calf over wooden boards, dated 1568. Both boards are blindstamped
with an intricate design of fleurons and rolled borders representing
figures. Initials G.N. on the first board. Still have the original
metal clasps what is quite rare. Gilt spine with three raised
bands. First hinge split and upper part of spine lacking. Overall
an exeptional contemporary binding that is worth a little restoration.
Interior complete and in perfect condition.
Third edition (the first was published
in 1563). Probably the rarest manual of demonology ever published.
Unlike most works on witchcraft that were written by inquisitors
or witch hunters, here is a book written by a genuine occultist
and defender of witches, Johannes Wierus, the very disciple
of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, the greatest magician of the
Renaissance. With a deep insight in the real nature of the Devil,
having himself managed to fathom the hellish hierarchy, Wierus
condemned the superstitions contained in the Malleus Maleficarum,
establishing a clear boundary between true Sorcery and the mere
illusions of mentally ill women. As the first book ever to defend
witches it was almost immediately sentenced to fire by the inquisition,
only a few copies remain.
Contains a strange engraving (see below)
Exact title :
De praestigiis daemonum, et incantationibus
ac veneficiis, livri V.
Contains :
Liber I : De Diabolo origine
stvdio et potentia. (31 - 116)
Liber II : De magis infamibus Lamiis et veneficis, eorumque
potentia (117 - 367)
Liber III : De iis qui lamiarum maleficio affecti putantur (367
- 480)
Liber IIII : Curatio eorum qui lamiarum maleficio affici, vel
daemonis obsidione subigi creduntur (481 - 610)
Liber V : De magorum infamium sagarum & veneficorum poenis.(610
- 721) Epistolae (721 - 741)
Epistolae (721 - 741)
Authores in hoc opere citati (741 - 745)
Huge Index (66 pages)
*
|
