SPARE, Austin Osman.

The Witches' Sabbath [&] Axiomata.

London: Fulgur, 1992. First Edition. Hardcover. Large Quarto. xii + 20pp & x + 22pp. Original black cloth with gilt designs, colour frontispieces, illustrated in b&w. This cloth bound issue limited to 956 numbered copies although far fewer were actually issued. Included is the talismanic errata/bookmark and a promotional printed photograph of Spare at work included by Fulgur with some copies. The work comprises two complete previously unpublished texts by Spare bound back to back - ie the texts start at opposite ends of the book, with each finishing in the middle. Each text has its own color frontis and numerous black and white illustrations. Spare claimed to have been introduced to Witchcraft in his youth by a mysterious "Mrs. Patterson," and to have attended many Sabbaths. "The Witches' Sabbath" is his short, highly sexually charged account of the Sabbath, its meaning and practice, along with an 'Evocation,' 'Affirmation,' and 'Prayers' of Communion and Adoration. It was long believed that two thirds of the copies had accidentally been destroyed before release, making the book much scarcer than its stated limitation. However in 2007 a number of partial sets of sheets were rediscovered, and have been reissued with a new introduction. This, however, is the true first issue, and scarcer as such. Page edges a little foxed, otherwise a tight and clean near bright copy in VG+ dustjacket (the soft paper dust jacket is lightly faded, a little light rubbing and creasing to edges). Item #59905

Sold