Magic Secrets.
UK: Society for Esoteric Endeavour, 2011. First Edition thus. Softcover. Small octavo. 88pp. illustrated in b&w and colour. Original printed paper wrappers, overlapping the text block. Page edges uncut. Illustrated with woodcuts and sigils, some coloured. Another intriguing publication from the Society for Esoteric Endeavour. Edition limited to 180 numbered copies, this being No. 78. The text first appeared as an appendix to the first edition of "The Grimoire of Pope Honorius" (1670), and was reprinted with some additions in the second edition (1760), and elsewhere. The publisher indicates that the work preserves an unusual type of 17th Century folk magic, which although overtly Christian, also utilises an otherwise unknown system of names of demonic names of power (including that of Satan) to provide the practitioner with magical familiars. The system is quite different to that given in "The Key of Solomon," with some spells explicitly blasphemous, although this blasphemy was shielded from the eyes of most, being set down in Latin. An Afterword, especially written for this translation, discusses the history of the work, as well as the magical use of obscenity and blasphemy. In common with other S.E.E. books the production is unique and a labour of love. The mould-made paper on which it is printed (Hahnemahle Medieval Laid 130 gsm) was chosen as being that most like 17th Century paper, and the sometimes erratic typography and layout of the original text has been retained. The wrappers have been waterproofed in the traditional manner, being rubbed with beeswax and then polished with a smooth stone. Wrappers creased where they overlap the text block (as always). A Fine copy. Item #68653
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