DUFFY, Michael. Daniel Schulke, Series editor .

The Devil’s Raiments. Habiliments of the Witches’ Craft [ Three Hands Press Occult Monographs, Volume II ].

Richmond Vista CA USA: Three Hands Press [ Xoanon ], 2012. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 100pp. Fine cloth spine, papered boards, black lettering to spine, copper publisher's device to upper board, bibliography. The second monograph in the Three Hands Press Occult Monograph series. Standard hardcover edition, limited to 800 copies. (There was also a limited full leather edition limited to 75 numbered copies). From the publisher: "Clad in the black robe, or daubed in black unguent as a consecration of wisdom, we are one with the hidden and secret realm of Night, and when so enveloped become the fertile void wherein we may receive the inspiration of the Muse or Genius. In occult literature, the Vestments of the Art Magical are poorly understood, principally because few save the body of initiates behold them. The robe, mask, hood, mantle, garter, and veil, constituting the exterior arrayments of the witch, trace their pedigree to a number of magical sources, each constituting a mystery of form and function. These mystical underpinnings often possess a deeper arcanum, being both emblematic of specified witch-powers and serving a hidden ritual purpose. In The Devil’s Raiments, Martin Duffy examines the relationship of the sorcerer to that which clothes him, with particular emphasis on the witch-cult. Also explored is the modern perception of the witch as the Naked Enchantress, as well as the some of the older historical rationales for the portrayal of nudity in witchcraft. The text is illustrated with five original drawings by Sussex artist Steve Damerell." Merest hint of shelf-wear, still a Fine copy in near Fine mylar protected removable dust jacket. Out of print. Item #73367

Price: $80.00