The Necromantic Grimoire of Augustus Rupp. The Complete Text of the Transliteration and Translation.
Waldwick, NJ: Bob Lynn, 1974. First Edition. Hardcover. Small octavo. Not paginated (approx. 100 pp). Full faux black leather with gilt title, etc. to spine and front cover, well illustrated. Edition limited to 500 numbered copies. An unusual book described by the publisher as "an invaluable aid to the magician & necromancer." It is divided into three parts; the first "Creatures of Darkness" - brief descriptions of various infernal entities; the second "Circles, Squares & Pentagrams" containing various seals and sigils used in summoning infernal beings; and the third "Chants & Invocations" a series of rituals of invocation and banishing. It purports to have been compiled by one Augustus Rupp in the mid-nineteenth century, but textual evidence suggests that it was probably written shortly before its publication - so in the early 1970s, apparently by one Carter Stockdale. Apparently the whole book was effectively a hoax: albeit one with a purpose, in that it was designed for use by stage magicians who wanted an authentic-looking grimoire to use in magic shows. It was apparently issued with a separate pamphlet "Key to the Necromantic Grimoire" which contained instructions of some of the tricks for which the book might be used. Note this pamphlet is not included with the volume. There is a neatly written name - presumably of a previous owner - below the limitation number, otherwise a tight, clean, near-Fine copy. Item #56588
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