(Cover Title) Egyptian Secrets or White and Black Art for Man and Beast (Title-page) Albertus Magnus. Being the Approved, Verified, Sympathetic and Natural Egyptian Secrets or White and Black Art for Man and Beast. Revealing The Forbidden Knowledge and Mysteries of Ancient Philosophers ... etc. etc.; by that Celebrated Student, Philosopher, Chemist, Naturalist, Psychomist, Astrologer, Alchemist, Metallurgist, Sorcerer, Explanator of the Mysteries of Wizards and Witchcraft.....
Chicago: Egyptian Publishing Company, ND ( Circa 1900 - 1930 ). First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Octavo. 3 Volumes in 1 (consecutively paginated) 208pp. Original red cloth with black and silver titling and elaborate illustration to front board, and titling to spine. An eccentric collection of folk remedies, incantations, spells and prayers, aimed at preventing or curing diseases, protecting against curses, avoiding dangers, etc. etc. The text is ascribed to the mediaeval scholar, theologian and natural scientist Albertus Magnus, but probably has no real connection with him and instead belongs to the class of literature known as "pow-wow books." These collections were brought to America by German immigrants in the early years of settlement, and remained popular amongst the communities in Pennsylvania. Various of them - usually attributed to renowned figures like Albertus Magnus - were translated into English and published in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Topics covered in the volume range from the cure of consumptive lungs and the gout, to ways to get rid of bedbugs and spiders, natural magic, and spells and prayers for subjects such as 'If a Human Being or Beast is attacked by Evil Spirits, how to restore him and make him well again,' and 'If a Human Being or Beast is attacked by Wicked People, and how to banish them forever from the House so that they may never be able to do any Harm.' The volume is undated, but estimates range between 1900 and 1930. It most likely preceded the de Laurence edition of the same title. Cloth a bit darkened and discoloured - more so at spine, spine ends and corners bruised and chafed, short closed tear at upper front spine, page edges darkened and pages lightly browned, unmarked. Overall a solid, clean VG copy (no dust jacket). Item #64927
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