ANONYMOUS, Translated by Joshua A. Wentworth, with an Introduction by Silens Manus - Signed by.

The Authentic Red Dragon (Le Véritable Dragon Rouge) ..... [with ].... The Black Hen (La Poule Noire) .... Translated from the French Edition of 1521.

York Beach, Maine USA: Teitan Press, 2011. First Edition. Hardcover. Small octavo ( 7 1/4" x 5 1/4" ). 208pp. Bound in heavy black cloth with a gilt dragon design on the front cover, and gilt title to the spine. Red "coffin silk" endpapers. Printed on acid-free paper. Rubricated titles and frontispieces, black and white illustrations. Copy number 6, of an edition limited to 800 numbered copies, this copy one of the special Teitan Press "Launch copies" which is signed by the author of the Introduction by way of a bookplate affixed opposite the half title page. The "Dragon Rouge" is one of the most notorious of the little books of black magic known as grimoires. This Teitan Press publication includes a complete facsimile of the earliest known edition - a French printing that is dated 1521 (although it was probably circa 1800) - along with a complete English translation by Joshua A. Wentworth. It is prefaced with a thoughtful and sometimes humorous Introduction by Silens Manus. The text itself is typical of grimoires of the time, and is clearly related to the "Grand Grimoire." Its anonymous author claims that the work is derived from the wisdom of the legendary King Solomon, and then sets down instructions for the creation of a number of magical implements: blasting rod (wand), talisman and magic circle, that are to be used to summon the demon "Lucifugé Rofocale," who is then bound over to serve the sorcerer. In the process a great many sub-demons are named, and their attributes listed. There follows a series of magic spells or recipes for various purposes; from making oneself invisible, to winning the affection of another, to the cure of various common ailments. The book ends with a chart of lucky and unlucky days and a short version of the treasure-finding text known as "La Poule Noire" ("The Black Hen"). The "Dragon Rouge" was very popular in nineteenth century France, and is still said to be one of the most highly revered texts in certain Voodoo circles in Haiti. From the collection of Clive Harper with his discreet 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. The label can easily be removed without affecting the page, although it would be a shame not to preserve this record of the book's provenance. Appears unread, thus in about Fine condition. Out of print and now quite scarce in this edition. Item #65977
ISBN: 9780933429215

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