The Book of Black Magic and of Pacts. Including the Rites and Mysteries of Goetic Theurgy, Sorcery, and Infernal Necromancy.
London: Privately Printed, 1898. First Edition. Hardcover. Quarto. xvi + 298pp. Original black buckram boards with silver title and author's name to spine and upper board. Beveled edges, top edge gilt. Rubricated title page, frontispiece plate of Edward Kelly, nine other full-page process engraved plates and tables printed on variously coloured papers and 188 vignettes and smaller illustrations in text and as decorations. Although not stated, only 500 copies were printed [GilbertA 25a]. As the title suggests it is a study and collection of material from various grimoires, including "The Key of Solomon," "The Lesser Key of Solomon," "The Grimoire of Honorius," "The Fourth Book of Agrippa," "The Sacred Magic of Abramelin the Mage," etc. etc. "The Book of Black Magic and Pacts" was arguably the first major collection of grimoires to be published in the English language. It was also one of the first books on the subject to be studied by Aleister Crowley, and his reading of it set in motion a chain of events that led to him joining the Hermetic Order of the Golden Dawn." Black cloth a little faded in places, silver titling somewhat dulled - more so on spine than the front board. Pages a little toned. Contemporary previous owner's initials (writ small) on verso of front free endpaper, small pencil note (easily erased) at bottom of title-page, otherwise the pages are crisp and clean. A solid, attractive VG + copy of this scarce and important edition. A large heavy book that will require some additional shipping and insurance in addition to the amount automatically listed. The exact amount extra will depend on the destination and the method used - we will calculate it and contact you once you've placed your order, or you can enquire beforehand. Item #65869
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