The Supernatural Magazine for 1809; containing Ancient and Modern Supernatural Experience, in testimony to the truth of Revelation, respecting the Immortality of the Soul; A Future State of Rewards and Punishments; together with Various Wonders of The Invisible Worlds.
Dublin: Wilkinson & Courtney (printers), 1809. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 128pp. Superb half-leather binding by renowned London book-binder Bernard C. Middleton. Blue calf over blue paper-covered boards, raised bands, gilt decorations & gilt stamped label on spine. The June, July, August & September, 1809, issues bound together - all published. A short-lived Irish periodical devoted to articles on Animal Magnetism, Apparitions, Prophecies, and other strange events. The first issue begins with a bizarre imaginary "Introductory Dialogue between the Editor and a Bookseller" which sees the eloquent (some would say pompous) arguments of the editor change the opinion of the bookseller from asking "what nonsense is this?" to the laborious declaration that "In this view I wish you success, and my endeavours shall not be wanting to promote the Sale of the 'Supernatural Magazine.'" Surely a grand example of wishful thinking. The journal was certainly ahead of its time, it included short essays on Animal Magnetism; Dr. Pordages account of apparitions and visions seen by his family; Necromancy of a Sicilian Priest; a "Compact and Exorcism"; various account of strange occurrences at the deathbed; numerous accounts of apparitions'; an extraordinary Forewarning; Apparition Seen by James IV; Modern Testimony of Visions of Heaven and Hell; Of the Rosicrucian Brotherhood (5 pages); The Paemander of Hermes Trismegistus; Surpizing Account of Naids or Spirits of the Fountain; Apparition of the Laird of Cool; Conversations of the Count Gabalis; Prophecy, etc. etc. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his blind-stamped ex-libris seal on the front free endpaper. Tatty & browned excised section from what was presumably the original front wrapper loosely-inserted. Slight offsetting to corners of endpapers, discreet pencil annotations on some pages, otherwise a solid, complete VG+ copy of a very rare work. Item #49794
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