Miscellanies. Upon The Following Subjects. I. Day-Fatality. II. Local-Fatality. II. Ostenta. IV. Omens. V.Dreams. VI. Apparitions. VIII Impulses. IX. Knockings. X. Blows Invisible XI. Prophecies. XII. Marvels. XIII. Magick. XIV. Transportation in the Air. XV. Visions in Beril, or Glass. XVI. Converse with Angels and Spirits, XVII. Corps-Candles in Wales. XVIII. Oracles. XIX. Exstasie. XX. Glances of Love and Envy. XXI. Second -Sighted-Persons. XXII. The Discovery of Two Murders by an Apparition; To which is affixed an Account of his Life; .
London: Printed for A. Bettesworth, and J. Battley in Pater-Noster-Row, J . Pemberton in Fleet Street, a E. Currll in the Strand. 1721. Second Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. [ii] + xvi + 236pp. Contemporary blind ruled calf, professionally and very neatly rebacked with original gilt embellished spine laid over, and original boards, corners sympathetically renewed, gilt titled spine label. One engraved plate. An attractive early edition of this study by John Aubrey (1626-97). Despite the book's rather ambiguous title - 'Miscellanies' - the contents are made clear by its lengthy subtitle, and by the 'Introductory Title' which appears on page one: 'A Collection of Hermetick Philosophy.' Aubrey was fascinated by the occult and supernatural, and 'Miscellanies' is a broad-ranging study, with sections on auspicious and inauspicious dates, omens, communications with angels, and magick, as well as a study of ‘second sight’ (the ability to foresee future events through divine inspiration) that is reputed to be the first treatment of the subject to appear in print. The chapter on "Magick" includes a few short references to witches and witchcraft: notably "Vervain and dill, Hinders witches from their will", and several stories recounting methods used to hinder witchcraft. The book was first published in 1696. This second edition, revised and enlarged, includes an account of the author's life. Light overall rubbing and wear to boards, armorial bookplate and private library plate on front pastedown, endpapers browned and a bit foxed, a little scattered browning and light foxing, a few lightly creased corners, text pages fairly bright and unmarked. Overall a tight, clean VG copy. Item #58277
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