The Magic & Philosophy of Trithemius of Spanheim. His Book of Secret Things & Doctrine of Spirits: The Ceremonial Art of Drawing Spirits into Crystals.
United Kingdom: Hell Fire Club, ND [ Circa 2006 ]. First Edition Thus, Deluxe. Hardcover. Large octavo. 24pp. Hand-bound half leather in dark maroon goatskin with black cloth for the night spirits, green cloth sides for the day spirits (this being the latter). Dark green and gold handmade marbled endpapers, maroon ribbon page marker. Limited to 168 copies printed on laid paper, each copy individually named after one of the spirits ruling the hours of the night or the day throughout the seven days of the week, this copy "named" Raphael as is indicated on a hand written limitation page opposite the title page. The publisher describes the text: "Contained in this unique and curious volume is a translation of Trithemius’ Latin work on the Doctrine of Spirits with his instructions on the manufacture of the appurtanances of the ceremonial art, the wand, crystal, triangle, tripod and Circles of Magick art. The forms of conjuration and the orations to the planetary spirits are given in full as well as a table of the intelligences ruling the hours of light and dark for each of the seven days of the week.
Prefixed to the translation of this important treatise ‘Of the making of the crystal and the Form of Preparation for a Vision’ is the translators introduction in the form of an epistle, the ‘Letter to a Friend…a Young Student in these Occult Sciences’ which shows the young Francis Barrett at his most sublime. Deeply versed in the high magical and quasi-mystical nature of the ‘Doctrine of Spirits’, Barrett counsels his student to observe great caution in his dealings with spirits, to observe the highest standards at all times. A clear indication of Barrett's experience in these esoteric matters is given, and the student is reminded of the true origin of spirit actions and their necessary effects…followed by the cautionary ‘word of advice’ for those who would be adept in this science."
In summary it is a short text extrapolated and reproduced in facsimile from Francis Barrett's "The Magus." From the collection of Clive Harper with his discrete book-label neatly tipped in at the rear. Harper is well- known as the bibliographer of Austin Osman Spare, for updating the Aleister Crowley bibliography in the 2011 Teitan Press collection of Gerald Yorke's writings, and as someone who has lent his expertise to numerous other publications, "As new" thus a tight, bright Fine copy. Out of print. Item #65970
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