Witchcraft Used Anda Rare Books
Witchcraft Used Anda Rare Books
Witchcraft Used Anda Rare Books
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Margot Adler, Drawing Down the Moon: Witches, Druid, Goddess-Worshippers,
and Other Pagans in America Today. Boston, MA: Beacon Press, 1986. Revised
edition. ISBN: 0-8070-3253-0. Softcover. Large octavo. xviii + 596pp. B/w frontis.
& illustrations. Index. Adler's well known study of witches, druids, goddess-
worshippers and other neo-pagans in late twentieth century America. A few
small creases to wrappers, else a clean, tight VG+ copy. (52073) $20.00
Anonymous [Parliament of Westminster]. At the Parliament begun and holden at Westminister, the
Fourteenth Day of January, Anno Dom. 1734 .... ["An Act to repeal the Statute made in the First Year
of the Reign of King James, the First, instituted, An Act againft Conjuration, Witchcraft, and dealing
with evil and wicked Spirits ......"]. London: John Baskett, 1736. First Edition. Three leaves. Folio (12 x 7
½ inches). Disbound but complete in themselves. Three folio leaves extracted from a collection of
Parliamentary Acts. With printed coat of arms and one highly decorative initial. The first leaf is
effectively the title page, and is printed on the recto only, the second leaf is
printed on both sides, and the third leaf is blank.
The first leaf is headed "Anno Regni, Georgii II. Regis Magna Britannio,
Francio, & Hibernio, Nono," followed by two paragraphs giving formal
announcement of the sitting of Parliament, beneath which are the Royal coat
of arms. The second and the third leaf describe the purpose of the act which
is outlined in the first paragraph:
An Act to repeal the Statute made in the First Year of the Reign of King James,
the First, intituled, An Act againft Conjuration, Witchcraft, and dealing with
evil and wicked Spirits, except fo much thereof as repeals an Act of the Fifth
Year of the Reign of Queen Elizabeth Againft Conjurations, Inchantments, and
Witchcrafts, and to repeal an Act paffed in the Parliament of Scotland in the
Ninth Parliament of Queen Mary, intituled, Anentis Witchcrafts, and for
punifhing fuch Perfons as pretent to exercife or ufe any kind of Witchcraft,
Sorcery, Inchantment, or Conjuration."
As suggested the aim of the Act was to repeal the existing Acts which governed laws concerning
witchcraft in England. The most notorious of these was the Witchcraft Act of 1562 which decreed that
anyone who did "use, practise, or exercise any Witchcraft, Enchantment, Charm, or Sorcery, whereby
any person shall happen to be killed or destroyed," would be condemned a felon and put to death. This
act had been revised by Elizabeth's successor, James I, whose 1604 "Act against Conjuration, Witchcraft
and dealing with Evil and Wicked Spirits" extended its stretch in a number of ways, including that
anyone who "invoked evil spirits or communed with familiar spirits," was also guilty of a capital offence.
The two Acts fundamentally changed the laws pertaining to witchcraft in England, removing them from
the jurisdiction of the ecclesiastical to that of the common courts. Whilst making witchcraft an ordinary
crime gave the condemned the dubious benefit that they would be hung rather than burned, it also
brought in to play civil penalties such as forfeiture of property which meant that some local officials now
had a financial stake in the number of witches that they brought to trial and saw convicted. It might not
be overly cynical to observe that it was no co-incidence that that there followed the greatest period of
witch-hunting in English history.
The "Witchcraft Act 1735" which was promulgated in this document, represented a complete change of
attitude. Capital punishment, and the crime of Witchcraft, as such, was done away with. Instead
anyone claiming to have the powers of a witch, or the ability to cast spells, see the future etc., was
simply to be treated as a swindler, and fined or imprisoned according to the extent of their fraud.
A little discolored but overall near fine. An important and attractive document in the history of
Witchcraft. (55454) $200.00
Henry Boguet, Translated by E. Allen Ashwin. Edited by Montague Summers. An Examen of Witches:
Drawn from various trials of many of this sect in the district of Saint Oyan De Joux commonly of
Burgundy including the procedure necessary to a judge in trials for witchcraft. Great Britian: John
Rodker, 1929 . First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Octavo. 328pp. Original green parchment covered boards.
Rubricated headings and margin notes. Green top edge. Limited to 1275 numbered
copies, of which this copy is number 484. The first English edition of one of the
most notorious of the early witch-hunting texts. The author of the work, Henri
Boguet (1550-1619), was a respected judge and the President of the Tribunal in St
Claude in the Jura region of France. He gained a reputation for the cruelty and zeal
of his persecutions, and is personally said to have pronounced or confirmed the
death sentence on over six hundred 'witches.' His Examen of Witches [Discours
Sorciers] became one of the standard text books of witch-hunting in France. The
book contains a significant amount of witch lore, much obtained under torture, with
much on the Sabbat and the sexual relations that allegedly took place between
witches and their demonic masters - a subject which seemed to hold a particular
fascination for Boguet. The work is also famous as one of the earliest published
sources on werewolves - based on Boguet's first hand observations. Boards slightly discolored & lightly
bowed (as often), light bumps to corners, page-edges slightly darkened and pages lightly browned,
otherwise a solid, internally-clean better than VG copy (no dust jacket). (48910) $85.00
Richard Bovet, Introduction & notes by Montague Summers. Pandaemonium [or the Devil's Cloyster].
Kent, UK: The Hand and Flower Press, 1951. First Edition Thus. Hardcover. Large
octavo. xxviii + 192pp. Original red cloth lettered in gilt on spine, multi-colored title
design on front board. B/w frontis. Facsimile title page. Notes. A limited edition of
1000 copies (not individually numbered) printed on rag paper. AN EXCEPTIONAL
COPY WITH BOTH THE PRINTED PAPER AND PRINTED GLASSINE DUST JACKETS.
First published in 1684 with the subtitle "Being a further Blow to Modern
Sadduceism, Proving the Existence of
Witches and Spirits in a Discourse
deduced from the Fall of the Angels, the
Propagation of Satans Kingdom before
the Flood: The Idolatry of the Ages after,
greatly advancing Diabolical
Confederacies. With an Account of the Lives and Transactions
of several Notorious Witches. Also; A Collection of several
Authentick Relations of Strange Apparitions of Dæmons and
Spectres, and Fascinations of Witches, never before Printed."
The book is a striking refutation of the scepticism of Scot and
Webster: Bovet fervently argues the reality of witchcraft both
on theological grounds and by citing a number of supposed recent
examples. His work is at least as much an attack on the Papacy and its supporters, which like witchcraft
he saw as evidence of the Devil's work. Summers who provided the new Introduction never got to see
the completion of this volume, as it was in press at the time that he died. Spine ends bruised, page-
edges lightly browned, endpapers a little darkened, otherwise a clean near Fine copy in VG examples of
both the original printed dust jacket, and original glassine underjacket. (Printed paper dust jacket a bit
darkened at spine and outer margins, slightly grubby, edges a bit chafed and chipped). Unusual,
especially in such lovely condition. (55369) $250.00
Robin Briggs, Witches & Neighbors: The Social and Cultural Context of European
Witchcraft. London: Harper Collins Publishers, 1996. First UK Edition. ISBN:
0002158442. Hardcover. Large octavo. xviii + 456pp. Black papered boards
lettered in gilt on spine. B/w illustrations. Notes, list of further reading & index. An
important and meticulously researched modern study that stresses the
importance of the local context - particular regional petty-politics and
scapegoating - at the time of the witch hunts. From the collection of Dr. M. H.
Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Page-
edges toned, offsetting from an old invoice has left an extensive "ghost" of printed
text on the otherwise blank front free endpaper, otherwise a tight, clean VG+ copy
in VG+ dust jacket. (52051) $12.00
Isabel Cameron, A Highland Chapbook. Stirling: Eneas Mackay, 1928. First Edition.
Hardcover. Octavo. 134pp. White cloth spine with paper title-label, grey papered boards. A collection
of essays, many previously published in newspapers and magazines, on the folklore etc. of the
Scottish Highlands. In fact the majority of the book is on the occult, as can be seen from the chapter
headings: The Chapbook Man; Hoarded Household Words; The Pure box; By Tuck O' Drum and the
Harden Goun; Concerning Curses; Concerning Charms; Omens, The Evil Eye, Mascots; Witches and
Warlocks; Mediums of Magic, White and Black; Shape Shifting; The Brotherhood of the Horse-Man’s
Word; Water Kelpies; The Religion of the Highlander. Curiously the chapter on "The Brotherhood of
the Horse-Man’s Word" quotes J. W. Brodie-Innes, a prominent member of the Hermetic Order of the
Golden Dawn, on the subject. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-
stamped on the front free endpaper. Boards discolored around edges, small bump to fore-edge of
front board, page-edges foxed & browned, another previous owner's name blind-stamped on front free
endpaper, excised flap blurb from original (now missing) dust jacket tipped to front pastedown, else a
solid, internally-clean near-VG copy (no dust jacket). (51830) $20.00
John Gregorson Campbell, Witchcraft & Second Sight in the Highlands & Islands of
Scotland. Tales and Traditions collected entirely from Oral Sources. Glasgow,
Scotland: James MacLehose, 1902. First edition. Hardcover. Octavo. xii & 314pp &
(i-colophon). Original dark blue cloth with gilt title and author to spine. The first
edition of this classic collection of material on "witchcraft, second sight, hobgoblins,
and other kindred subjects', collected entirely from oral tradition. The accounts are
divided under six main chapter or subject headings: Black Witchcraft, White
Witchcraft, Death Warnings, Second Sight, Hobgoblins, & The Celtic Year. Cloth a
little rubbed, mostly at corners and spine ends. Armorial bookplate on front
pastedown, gift inscription dated 1902 on front blank, endpapers and three
conjunct leaves of the Index unevenly browned, page edges a bit browned and foxed. Overall a tight
clean VG copy (no dust jacket). (55382) $200.00
Patricia & Arnold Crowther, (Special Chapter by J. Insall-Mason). The Witches Speak.
Isle of Mann: Athol Press, 1965. First Edition. Softcover. Standard paperback. 152 pp.
Illustrated covers, b&w illustrations. The scarce first book by the "Queen of the
Sabbat and the Highpriest of the Sheffield Coven of Witches" Patricia Crowther (b.
1927) and her then-husband Arnold Crowther (1909-1974). Patricia Crowther was
initiated into witchcraft by Gerald Gardner in 1960 and became the High Priestess of
the Sheffield Coven which she and her then-husband founded in 1961. Covers a bit
rubbed, edges chafed, spine chafed & creased with a bit of chipping at edges and
ends, page edges darkened and thumbed, pages lightly toned. Still, a Good unmarked
copy. Genuinely hard to find in any condition. (53351) $185.00
Lucy De Bruyn, Woman and the Devil in Sixteenth Century Literature. Wiltshire:
Bear Books/Compton Press, 1979. First Edition. ISBN: 0900193727. Hardcover. Tall
octavo. xii + 180pp. Red cloth lettered in gilt on spine. B/w illustrations.
Bibliography & index. A detailed study in comparative literature on the subject of
women and the devil, using English, Dutch, German and other European sources.
Spine ends and bottom-edges of boards rubbed, corners bumped, otherwise a
clean VG copy in near-VG dust jacket (dust jacket lightly worn, discolored, a few
small edge-tears). (52081) $15.00
C. L'Estrange Ewen, Some Witchcraft Criticisms. A Plea for the Blue Pencil. London:
Privately published, 1938. First Edition. Softcover. Small octavo. 6pp. + iipp listing of
other titles by the author. Printed stapled wrappers. An interesting and compelling
rebuttal by C. L'Estrange Ewen, of the criticisms that Margaret Murray levelled
against his books "Witch Hunting and Witch Trials" (1929) and "Witchcraft and
Demonianism" (1933). From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris
seal blind-stamped on the first blank. Cover slightly darkened; a few small creases,
pages toned. A clean VG+ copy. Unusual. (55407) $45.00
A. Farquharson-Coe, Hants & Dorset Witchcraft. St. Ives, Cornwall, England: James
Pike, 1975. First Edition. ISBN: 0859321630. Softcover. Small octavo. 32pp. Stapled
pamphlet; glossy printed wrappers, map, b&w illustrations. A short monograph on
witchcraft from the historical "Viewing Hants & Dorset" series done by James Pike of
Cornwall. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-
stamped on the first blank. A little light rubbing and creasing to covers, otherwise a
tight and bright VG copy. (55390) $10.00
Janet and Stewart Farrar, The Witches' Goddess. The Feminine Principle of
Divinity. Blaine WA: Phoenix Publishing, ND ( Circa 2008 ). Reprint. ISBN:
9780919345911. Softcover. Large octavo. 320 pp. b&w line illustrations by
Stewart Farrar, photographs by Stewart Farrar, biblio and index. A study by the
late Stewart Farrar, and his wife Janet, both stalwarts of the Alexandrian tradition
of witchcraft. Covers lightly rubbed, price sticker on rear cover - otherwise a
tight clean, Fine copy (appears unread). (54800) $15.00
Janet and Stewart Farrar, (Appendix by Doreen Valiente). The Witches Way: Principles, Rituals
and Beliefs of Modern Witchcraft. Custer, WA: Phoenix Publishing, 1984. First US Edition. ISBN:
0919345719. Hardcover. Large octavo. [x] + 350pp. Brown boards gilt-lettered on spine. Glossary,
bibliography & index. B/w plates & illustrations. The authors, Janet Farrar (b. 1950) and Stewart
Farrar (1916 – 2000) met when they were initiated into Alexandrian witchcraft by the tradition's
founders, Alex and Maxine Sanders in the early 1970s. They went on to marry and co-author a
number of books on witchcraft and modern neo-paganism. "The Witches Way" continues along
the lines of "Eight Sabbats for Witches' It "gives in full the first, second and third degree intiation
rites, the consecration rites, and the many non-ritual passages of the "Book of Shadows" with
detailed notes and comments." Light bump and tiny tear at lower spine otherwise a tight, clean near
Fine copy in mylar protected VG+ dust jacket.. (54999) $20.00
Ian Ferguson, The Philosophy of Witchcraft. London: George G. Harrap, 1924. First
edition. Hardcover. Small octavo. 220pp.+2pp. ads., cloth, bibliography. Original
black cloth with gilt title etc to spine. An unusually sympathetic study for its time,
which largely foreshadows the modern view of witchcraft as the survival of pre or
non-Christian spiritual belief system. Chapters include 'The Origins of the Witch,'
'Early Christianity and the Witch,' 'Magic and Medicine,' 'Folk-lore - The Refuge of
Dreams,' 'The Triumph of Theology,' 'etc. etc. From the collection of Dr. M. H.
Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the first blank. Cloth lightly rubbed,
upper board lightly bowed, corners and spine ends lightly bumped & chafed, page
edges and endpapers a bit browned, paper toned, owner's details on front
pastedown, otherwise a tight, clean VG copy (lacks dustwrapper). (55381) $60.00
Gavin and Yvonne Frost, The Magic Power of Witchcraft. West Nyack, NY: Parker
Publishing Company, Inc., 1982. Reprint. ISBN: 0135453763. Hardcover. Large octavo.
203pp. Original yellow papered boards with purple titling to spine. A hardcover
reprint edition of this guide to rituals and white magic techniques written by Gavin
and Yvonne Frost, pioneering and sometimes controversial members of the American
Wiccan community who in 1968 founded the Church and School of Wicca. Very light
rubbing to edges and shelf dust, boards a bit darkened at extreme edges, otherwise a
tight and clean VG+ copy in VG dust jacket. (Dust jacket lightly chafed at edges, not
clipped). (55363) $20.00
Gerald Gardner, The Meaning of Witchcraft. York Beach, ME: WeiserBooks, 2004.
Reprint. ISBN: 9781578633098. Softcover. Large octavo.xii + 272pp, glossy pictorial
card covers, b&w illustrations. First published in 1959 this book is effectively a
sequel to the author's "Witchcraft Today," and draws from his extensive historical
researches, as well as practical experience in his own Covens. Chapter titles: The
Witch Cult in Britain; Witch's Memories and Beliefs; The Stone Age Origins of
Witchcraft; Some Religious Ideas of Early Britain; Druidism and the Aryan Celts;
Witchcraft in Roman and Saxon Times; Magic Thinking; Curious Beliefs about
Witches; Signs and Symbols; The Black Mass; Some Allegations Examined; The
Future, Appendixes. Includes a number of references to Aleister Crowley. Price
sticker on rear cover, otherwise appears unused - thus in near Fine condition. (54801) $16.00
[Gerald Gardner: related work ] Philip Heselton. Gerald Gardner and the Cauldron of
Inspiration: An Investigation into the Sources of Gardnerian Witchcraft. Milverton,
Somerset, England: Capall Bann Publishing, 2003. First Edition. ISBN: 1861631642.
Softcover. Octavo. 438pp. Glossy pictorial card covers, B/w illustrations. An important
study of the origins of Gardnerian witchcraft - with much fresh information on
Gardner's relationship with contemparies such as Ross Nichols, Dion Fortune and
Aleister Crowley. Slight crease and a couple of minor scratches to title-page,
otherwise a clean, tight VG+ copy. (53821) $30.00
[Gerald Gardner: related work ] J. L. Bracelin, (pseud. of Idries Shah). Gerald
Gardner: Witch. London: Octagon Press, 1960. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo.
224pp. Original red cloth with gilt titling to spine, b&w illustrations, select
bibliography, index. First edition of this scarce early biography of Gerald Gardner.
Although attributed to Jack L. Bracelin, the book was apparently actually written by
Idries Shah (1924 – 1996), a well known writer and teacher on Sufism, and founder
of the Octagon Press. Bracelin was a friend of Gerald Gardner's, and had been
initiated into the craft by Doreen Valiente, later serving as High Priest of the
Bricket Wood coven. Bracelin introduced Shah to Gardner, with the result being
this book, more-or-less the "authorised" biography of Gerald Gardner. Shah
apparently used Bracelin's name as Bracelin was publically identified with Gardner,
and Shah did not want his own Sufi students confused as to his allegiances. Boards
a bit rubbed and darkened overall, some light bumps to edges and extremities, points lightly chafed,
page edges a bit darkened and thumbed, pages lighty toned. Still overall a tight, unmarked VG copy in
near near VG dust jacket. (Dust jacket a bit darkened and rubbed overall with a bit of chafing and
chipping to edges and points, not clipped) (55367) $200.00
Gemma Gary, Traditional Witchcraft. A Cornish Book of Ways. London: Troy Books,
2011. Revised Second Edition. ISBN: 9780956104366. Hardcover. Octavo. 224pp &
[xxxiipp full page b&w photographs]. Red cloth with silver lettering to spine and
silver labyrinth device to upper board. This copy inscribed & signed by the author
on the half title page. In this second revised edition much of the text has been re-
written, with the introduction and the chapter exploring 'The Bucca" being much
expanded from the first edition. Also includes an additional 37 plates not in the 1st
printings. "Traditional Witchcraft" is a 21st century version of traditional Cornish
witchcraft: a drawing into modern times of the ancient practices of lore and magic
of the white witches, charmers, conjurers and pellars of the Cornish villages. Ms
Gary sources not only from published material, but also from the experiences and
workings of 'wise women' and country witches living today. Topics include the Cunning Path, the Dead
and the Underworld (Fairy Faith), the Bucca, Places of Power in the villages and landscape, the Tools
used by Cunning Folk (working versions of what can be seen, for example, in the Museum of Witchcraft),
Village cunning, substances and charms, and Rites of the Year's Round. This book gathers much material
together, some of which has not been seen in print before, and thus provides a sourcebook of magical
workings in Cornwall today, which will be an invaluable reference. Very light bumps to corners -
otherwise appears unused. Thus near Fine condition. (no dust jacket issued) (52314) $250.00
Malcolm Gaskill, Hellish Nell: Last of Britain's Witches. London: Fourth Estate,
2001. First Edition. ISBN: 1841151092. Hardcover. Octavo. xiv + 402pp. Black cloth
lettered in silver on spine. B/w illustrations. A biography of Scottish-born Helen
Duncan the spiritual medium who in 1944 became the last person in England to be
jailed under the Witchcraft Act of 1735. Page-edges age-toned, else a sharp, clean
Fine copy in Fine dust jacket. (52032) $12.00
Migene Gonzalez-Wippler, Book of Shadows. Woodbury, MN: Llewellyn
Publications, 2014. Reprint. ISBN: 9780738702131. Softcover. Octavo. xx + 218pp +
adverts. b&w illustrations, bibliography. Gloss pictorial wrappers. The author,
Migene González-Wippler, is an anthropologist and Santeria initiate, who has
written a number of books on different aspects of Santeria and the occult including
"The Santería Experience"; "The Complete Book of Amulets & Talismans"; "A
Kabbalah for the Modern World" and others. In this volume González-Wippler
explains both practical and spiritual aspects of Wiccan traditions including the
significance of Moon phases, herbs, colors, crystals, common magical tools, and
other implements in ceremonies and rituals. Price sticker on rear cover otherwise
appears new thus near Fine condition. (54984) $12.00
Ronald Holmes, Witchcraft in History. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel Press, 1977. First US
Softcover Edition. ISBN: 0806505753. Softcover. Large octavo. 272pp. Bibliography
& index. Map. An exploration of the relationship between British witchcraft beliefs
and broader political and social developments within the UK. Previously published
under the title 'Witchcraft in British History.' Page-edges toned, a few small creases
to wrappers, else a clean, tight VG copy. (52076) $10.00
Michael Howard and Daniel A. Schulke (Edited by) Various authors, including
Andrew Chumbley, David Rankine, and Raven Grimasse, among others. Hands of
Apostasy. Essays on Traditional Witchcraft. Richmond Vista, CA: Three Hands
Press, 2014. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 384 pages. Pewter cloth with red
lettering to spine, black endpapers, 26 b&w illustrations, index. Edition limited to
1,000 copies. "Hands of Apostasy" is a groundbreaking witchcraft anthology
presenting nineteen articles written by both scholars and practitioners, addressing
such crucial Old Craft topics the Devil, Initiation, the relation of witchcraft to the
grimoire corpus, the mysticism and magic of herbs, folk-charming, the nocturnal
flight, the Romantic movement, the witches’ cauldron, and the powers of moon
and tide. Representing widely-varying witchcraft traditions and perspectives, the
book is a sound testament to the Craft’s history, diversity and strength, as well as the characteristic
marks of an evolving and contemplative tradition. Contents are: The Magic of History: Some
Considerations by Andrew Chumbley; A Family Craft Tradition by Douglas McIlwain; Killing the Moon:
Witchcraft Initiations in the Mountains of the Southern United States by Corey Hutcheson; Pentacles of
Wood by David Rankine; Moon-Raking in the Old Craft by Cecil Williamson; The Cauldron of Pure
Descent by Martin Duffy; Spirits and Deific Forms: Faith and Belief in British Old Craft by Melusine Draco;
Waking the Dead: The Ancient Magical Art of Necromancy by Michael Howard; The Witching Hour by
Peter Hamilton Giles; The Man in Black by Gemma Gary; Origins and Rationales of Modern Witch Cults
by Andrew Chumbley; Mirror, Moon and Tides by Levannah Morgan; The Traditional Witchcraft of Ellan
Vannin by Manxwitch; Unchain the Devil! by Radomir Ristic; Where the Three Roads Meet: Oneiric
Praxis in the Sabbatic Craft by Jimmy Elwing; Pharmakeute: Witches as the Plant People of Old Europe
by Raven Grimassi; Conjure-Charms of the Welsh Marches by Gary St. Michael Nottingham; The
Blasphemy of Things Unseen by Daniel A. Schulke and Romantic Age Roots of Traditional Witchcraft by
Lee Morgan. Appears new, thus Fine in lightly rubbed, near fine dust jacket. (54902) $50.00
Oliver Madox Hueffer, The Book of Witches. London: Eveleigh Nash, 1908. First
edition. Hardcover. Large octavo, xii+ 336pp. Original black cloth illustrated in blind
with gilt titling to spine, bibliography. An often humorous popular history and
overview of witchcraft by Oliver Madox Hueffer (1876 - 1931), a prolific writer and
journalist who was renowned for his sexual and other exploits. His legacy is now
largely overshadowed by that of his older brother, the modernist author Ford Madox
Ford. One contemporary reviewer described "The Book of Witches," as "combining
some erudition with much whimsical entertainment." Presumably it was one or the
other - or possibly both - that caused Gerald Gardner to acquire a copy, as one is
recorded as having been in his library. Cloth well rubbed with chafing to all edges and
points, a number of short closed tears to spine ends, corners bumped, a few bumps and snags to cloth
at edges of boards, endpapers darkened and a bit grubby, half a dozen witch-related news clippings
affixed to front endpapers and half title pages with considerable offsetting, page edges thumbed, paper
toned. Still a solid and unmarked Good copy of a scarce book. (no dust jacket). (55395) $95.00
Pennethorne Hughes, Witchcraft. Middlesex England etc: Penguin, 1965. Reprint.
Softcover. Pocket sized. viii + 220 pp. Illustrated wrappers, b&w illustrations, biblio
and index. A reprint of this interesting if tendentious history. It was supposedly
written in response to what he perceived as misrepresentations of 'the craft' in this
book that Gerald Gardner published his 'Witchcraft Today' two years later. Covers a
bit worn, chafed and creased, edges darkened and thumbed, paper well browned. Still
overall a clean serviceable Good copy. (55397) $6.00
Paul Huson, Mastering Witchcraft. A Practical Guide for Witches, Warlocks, and
Covens. New York: G.P. Putnam's Sons, 1970 . Book Club Edition. Hardcover. Octavo.
254pp. Black faux leather with blind stamp design on front cover, red title, etc. to
spine. With illustrations by the author. A book club edition of this popular guide to
non-Wiccan witchcraft written in 1969. Everything from first steps through
divination, love spells, magical attack and defence, and how to form your own coven.
Corners and and spine ends lightly bumped and chafed, page edges very slightly
darkened, otherwise a tight, clean VG+ copy in VG dust jacket (dust jacket a bit
chafed and creased at all extremities, a few tiny chips and tears, not clipped) (55366)
$65.00
Ronald Hutton, The Triumph of the Moon: A History of Modern Pagan Witchcraft.
Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2005. Reprint. ISBN: 9780198207443. Hardcover.
Octavo. xvi + 486pp. Illustrated papered boards. Notes, index. From the publisher:
"The Triumph of the Moon is the first full-scale study of the only religion England has
ever given the world--modern pagan witchcraft, otherwise known as wicca. ... For
centuries, pagan witchcraft has been linked with chilling images of blood rituals,
ghostlike druids, and even human sacrifices. But while Robert Hutton explores this
dark side of witchery, he stresses the positive, reminding us that devotion to art, the
natural world, femininity, and the classical deities are also central to the practice of
wicca. Indeed, the author shows how leading figures in English literature--W.B. Yeats, D.H. Lawrence,
and Robert Graves, just to name a few--celebrated these positive aspects of the religion in their work,
thereby softening the public perception of witchcraft in Victorian England. From cunning village folk to
freemasons and from high magic to the black arts, Hutton chronicles the fascinating process by which
actual wiccan practices evolved into what is now a viable modern religion. He also presents compelling
biographies of wicca's principal figures, such as Gerald Gardner, who was inducted into a witch coven at
the age of 53, and recorded many clandestine rituals and beliefs." Covers lightly rubbed, price sticker on
rear, otherwise a tight, bright near Fine copy. (no dust jacket issued). (54991) $35.00
Aldous Huxley, The Devils of Loudun. London: Chatto & Windus, 1952. First Edition.
Hardcover. Octavo. 376pp. Orange cloth lettered in gilt on spine. B/w frontis. & b/w
illustrations. Bibliography. Huxley's penetrating study of the madness and mayhem
that followed the tales of sorcery and demonic possession in a seventeenth century
Loudun convent. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal
blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Spine ends rubbed, boards slightly
discolored, page-edges lightly browned, offsetting to free endpapers, otherwise a
solid, clean VG copy in about VG dust jacket (dust jacket price-clipped, rear panel
foxed, several edge nicks). (52042) $20.00
John of Monmouth with Gillian Spraggs and Shani Oates. Genuine Witchcraft is
Explained: The Secret History of the Royal Windsor Coven and the Regency.
Somerset, UK: Capall Bann Publishing, 2012. First Edition. ISBN: 1861633343.
Softcover. Octavo. 486pp. Gloss pictorial wrappers. With b&w plates of a rare
letters and documents. Illustrated. Material on the Royal Windsor Coven & the
Clan of Tubal Cain, plus "The New Pagan's Handbook" by Ron White. Appears
unused thus in near Fine condition. (55016) $30.00
Theda Kenyon, Witches Still Live. A Study of the Black Art Today. New York: Ives
Washburn, 1929. Hardcover. Octavo. 379 pp. Original blind ruled black cloth with gilt
titling to spine, biblio and index. An under-rated but surprisingly comprehensive and
well-researched account. Hint of rubbing to edges, a very faint ripple to cloth at fore-
edge of boards, a few faint pale marks to cloth. Page edges darkened, paper very
slighty browned, pencil notes to endpapers and underlining scattered through text
(all pencil, but too much too erase unless truly obsessive). Still, this is overall an
outwardly clean, tight near VG copy. No dust jacket. (33374) $95.00
Olive Knott, (Additional material by Rodney Legg & Amanda Allsop). Witches of
Dorset. Sherborne, Dorset, England: Dorset Press, 1974. First Edition. Softcover.
Booklet. 60pp. Stapled pictorial wrappers. B/w illustrations. A small collection of
witch lore from Dorset, England. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his
ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the title page. A clean VG+ copy. (51818) $6.00
Sybil Leek, Diary of a Witch. New York: Prentice Hall, 1968. Hardcover. Octavo. (vi)
182pp. Red cloth with black titling to spine. The "diary" or autobiography of Sybil
Leek (1917 - 1982) an English witch, astrologer, psychic, and occult author - who
wrote more than forty books on occult and esoteric subjects. "Diary of a Witch"
was first published in the US in 1968, and includes numerous references to Aleister
Crowley, who she claims to have first met in childhood. There is no statement of
edition in this volume, and nothing to identify it as a reprint or book-club edition,
however as the dust jacket is clipped (where either the price or the statement
"book-club edition" would be) we cannot identify the printing with certainty. Light
bumping to corners and spine ends, page edges and endpapers slighty browned,
old price sticker on front blank, pages toned, otherwise a tight, clean VG+ copy in near VG dust jacket.
(Dust jacket is a bit darkened at spine and outer edges, light rubbing & chafing to all extremities,
clipped) (55375) $20.00
Marion Lochhead, Magic and Witchcraft of the Borders. London: Robert Hale,
1984. First Edition. ISBN: 0709015488. Hardcover. Octavo. 222pp. Original
black cloth with gilt lettering to upper board, b&w illustrations, bibliography.
Lochhead introduces and retells 31 tales of magic and witchcraft in Scotland
which were first collected by 19th century folklorists, including Walter Scott,
James Hogg and William Henderson. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman,
with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the first blank. Spine ends lightly
bruised, otherwise a bright clean near Fine in near Fine dust jacket. (55398)
$15.00
C. E. Loseby, Witches, Mediums, Vagrants and the Law. Manchester: Spiritualists
National Union, 1946. First Edition. Softcover. Booklet. 32pp. Stapled printed
wrappers with paper dust jacket. An unusual essay arguing for the abolition of the
parts of the Vagrancy Act of 1824 which still, in 1946, made the practice of
mediumship prosecutable. The author makes a study of the history of the legal
aspects of witch trials, and argues that by its very nature such legislation is
incapable of delivering just outcomes. Page-edges foxed & browned, otherwise a
clean VG copy in VG dust jacket (dust jacket a little rubbed). (51836) $35.00
J. MacLeay, Cornish Witchcraft. Viewing Cornwall Series. St. Ives, Cornwall, England:
James Pike, 1977. First Edition. ISBN: 0859321924. Softcover. Small octavo. 32pp.
Stapled pamphlet; glossy printed wrappers, map, b&w illustrations. A short
monograph on witchcraft from the historical "Viewing Cornwall" series done by James
Pike of Cornwall. A little light rubbing and creasing to covers, otherwise a tight and
bright VG+ copy. (55389) $10.00
Glyn H Morgan, Essex Witches: The Witches, Enchantments, Charms and Sorcerers of
Essex. Bucks: Spurbooks Limited, 1973. First Edition. ISBN: 0902875396. Softcover.
Slim small octavo. 64pp. Pocket-sized paperback. B/w frontis. & illustrations.
Bibliography. A brief recounting of the stories of some of the more notable of the
many Essex witches, and what befell them at the hands of the "Witchfinder-General"
Matthew Hopkins and others of his ilk. A tight, clean & sharp near-Fine copy. (52064)
$8.00
Margaret Alice Murray,The God of the Witches. London: Sampson Low, Marston
& Co., ND [circa 1933]. First Edition. Hardcover. Large octavo. xii + 214pp. Original
black cloth lettered in gilt on spine. B/w illustrations. References & index. An
unusually good copy of Murray's controversial second study of the origins of
European witchcraft. Chapters: The Horned God; The Worshippers; The
Priesthood; The Rites; Religious and Magical Ceremonies; The Divine Victim. This
copy is undated but our reference works suggest that it is nonetheless the first
edition (circa 1933) and that Sampson Low were not in the habit of dating or
including other printed indicators (such as statements) of their first editions at the
time this was published. Some sources (apparently all drawing on a British Library
listing) suggest that the first edition was published by Faber in 1931, however we
have never seen, a copy, and until we can get into the BL and confirm that this isn't a mistaken listing,
we are selling this as a "probable" first edition. Some darkened sections (shadowing) to endpapers,
edges dusty, else a tight, square, clean VG + copy in a near-VG example of the extremely scarce dust
jacket (dust jacket has a finger-pad sized chip from the top of the spine, and a few other much smaller
chips and tears around the edges, lightly rubbed & spine a little darkened) (48106) $125.00
Margaret Alice Murray,The God of the Witches. London: Faber & Faber , 1952.
New edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 212pp. Original black cloth with gilt titling to
spine. Color frontis. B/w plates. References & index. An attractive new edition of
this influential work in which . Murray explored her thesis that witchcraft is the
survival of an ancient Pagan horned god cult. From the collection of Dr. M. H.
Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Light
bumps and rubbing at spine ends & bottom-corners of boards, page-edges slightly
discolored, else an internally-clean near-VG copy in near-VG dust jacket (dust
jacket price-clipped, chipped & rubbed, slight loss at top of spine). (52034)
$35.00
Edgar Peel & Pat Southern, The Trials of the Lancashire Witches: A Study of 17th
Century Witchcraft. Newton Abbot: David & Charles, 1969. First UK Edition. ISBN:
0715346652. Hardcover. Octavo. 192pp. Grey cloth boards gilt-lettered on spine.
B/w illustrations by Pat Southern. Index. A detailed examination of the most
famous of the the witch trials of England. Lower spine lightly bumped and faded,
light foxing to page-edges, otherwise a solid, internally-clean VG+ copy in Good
dust jacket (Dust jacket a little rubbed and discoloured, edges lightly chafed, price-
clipped). (49370) $12.00
Ken Radford (editor). Fire Burn: Tales of Witchery. London: Michael O'Mara Books,
1989. First UK Edition. ISBN: 094839773X. Hardcover. Octavo. 208pp. Black papered
boards lettered in gilt on spine. B/w illustrations. Bibliography. A collection of
accounts of witchcraft, drawn from a wide variety of sources from the narratives of
the European witchcraft trials, to mid-twentieth century oral history. From the
collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his name written in pen & ex-libris seal blind-
stamped on the front free endpaper. Page-edges toned, else a tight, clean VG+ copy
in VG+ dust jacket. (52038) $10.00
Ariadne Rainbird, and David Rankine. Magick Without Peers. Chieveley,
England: Capall Bann Publishing, [1997]. Reprint. ISBN: 1-898307-99-7. Softcover.
Octavo. iv + 304pp. Gloss pictorial wrappers. From the publisher: "A book about
progressive witchcraft which the authors see as being more eclectic and universal
than Alexandrian and Gardnerian Wicca. Witchcraft is composed of three main
elements - Magic, Mysticism and Religion - each treated in depth, and integrated
in this excellent, practical book. ... Techniques and teaching from many different
countries and cultures are integrated and used to great effect, drawn from the
courses and teachings carried out by the authors. The book gives a solid
grounding in personal magical work, aimed primarily at the sole practitioner,
though members of groups will also benefit from the teachings given." Appears unused, thus a near fine
copy. (55012) $15.00
Jeffrey Burton Russell, Witchcraft in the Middle Ages. Secaucus, NJ: Citadel
Press, 1972. Reprint. ISBN: 0806505044. Softcover. Large octavo. xii + 394pp.
Bibliography & index. A scholarly study of witchcraft in Europe from the fifth to
fifteenth century, in which the author examines it as "a product of Christianity
with its roots more in heresy than in the magic and sorcery that have existed in
other societies." Minor rubbing to edges of wrappers, page-edges toned, else a
clean, tight VG+ copy. (52074) $8.00
Geoffrey Scarre, Witchcraft and Magic in 16th and 17th Century. Europe Studies in
European History Series. London: Macmillan Education, 1987. First Edition. ISBN:
0333399331. Softcover. Small octavo. 76pp. glossy printed wrappers. Extensive
bibliography, index. "The author argues that while the witch prosecutors were
tragically mistaken, their activities were far from being irrational or unjustifiable - a
'witch-craze' - given the prevailing 16th and 17th century view of reality." From the
collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-stamped on the first
blank. Price sticker on rear cover - Otherwise, a tight and bright Near Fine copy.
(55391) $20.00
A. F. Scott, Witch, Spirit, Devil. London: White Lion Publishers, 1974. First edition.
ISBN: 0727400509. Hardcover. Octavo. 190pp. Original black boards lettered in gilt
on spine. B/w frontis. & illustrations. Bibliography & index. An anthology of writings
on witchcraft. Chapters include: What is Witchcraft?, Witchcraft in the Bible, Malleus
Maleficarum, Witch-Hunts, The White Witch, Trials of Witches, The Sabbat, Familiars,
Poltergeists, Spells & Charms, Witchcraft in Drama and Poetry, The Decline of Witch
Mania, and Witchcraft Today. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-
libris seal blind-stamped on the front free endpaper. Page-edges lightly browned,
else a sharp, clean VG+ copy in VG+ dust jacket. (52037) $10.00
Ronald Seth, Witches and Their Craft. London: Odhams Books, 1967. First Edition.
Hardcover. Octavo. 256pp. Red textured papered boards lettered in gilt on spine.
Index. B/w illustrations. Better known for his books on the history and techniques
of espionage, the author is inspired to delve into the subject of witchcraft as a
result of witnessing an hostile attack of "black magic" at a young age. A brief
historical account is followed by chapters on the Devil, the Coven, the Sabbat,
Familiars - etc, and concludes with a detailed account of a number of famous witch
trials. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-
stamped on the front free endpaper. Spine ends lightly rubbed, page-edges toned,
corners of a few pages "dog-eared", otherwise a solid, internally-clean VG copy in
near-VG dust jacket (dust jacket price-clipped, rubbed, with some creasing at edges). (52033) $12.00
St. John D. Seymour, Irish Witchcraft and Demonology. Dublin: Hodges, Figges &
Co., 1913. First UK Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. viii + 256pp. Green cloth lettered in
gilt on spine & front board. Index. Top-edge-gilt. An interesting collection of accounts
of witchcraft and the supernatural in Ireland. Spine ends slightly chafed, bump to
upper board leaving vertical crease and some light inward bowing (sounds worse
than it is), offsetting to free endpapers, else a solid, clean VG copy (no dust jacket).
(47367) $85.00
L. Simmonds, Welsh Witchcraft. Ofergoeliaeth Cymru. Viewing Wales Series. St. Ives,
Cornwall, England: James Pike, 1975. First Edition. ISBN: 0859321398. Softcover. Small
8vo. 32 pp. Stapled pamphlet; glossy printed wrappers, map, b&w illustrations. A short
monograph on witchcraft from the historical "Viewing Cornwall" series done by James
Pike of Cornwall. From the collection of Dr. M. H. Coleman, with his ex-libris seal blind-
stamped on the first blank. Wrappers slightly faded, rubbed and creased. Otherwise, a
tight and clean VG copy. (55388) $12.00
R.W. Frater F.H. Slingsby, Some Further Witchcraft Trials. NP [London]: Printed by
T. G. Norris & Son, ND [circa 1954]. Softcover. Octavo. 32pp. Stapled printed
wrappers. The first separate publication: apparently an off-print from the
Transactions of Metropolitan College of the Societas Rosicruciana in Anglia (SRIA).
In a previous paper the author examined witch trials in England, in the present
paper he gives "some account of a few cases from what is now South Eastern
France, from Scotland, and from New England." Almost certainly only a small
number of copies were produced for private distribution. Most unusual, no copies
recorded on Worldcat, or anywhere else. Covers a little darkened, staples slightly
rusty. Still a clean VG+ copy. Very unusual. (55409) $125.00
John M. Taylor, The Witchcraft Delusion In Colonial Connecticut (1647 - 1697). New
York: The Grafton Press, 1908. First edition. Hardcover. Small octavo. xvi+ 174pp.
Original green cloth lettered in gilt on spine. Top-edge-gilt. Index. B/w frontis with
printed tissue-guard. The first edition of this examination of the witchcraft hysteria in
Connecticut, in the 'Grafton Historical Series.' The author presents original materials
from the period: colonial records, trial documents and transcripts, etc. as part of a
new analysis of this painful interlude in American history. Edges and extremities
lightly bumped and rubbed, spine ends a little bruised and chafed, page-edges
browned, otherwise a solid, clean VG+ copy (no dust jacket). (49388) $35.00
J. W. Wickwar, Witchcraft and the Black Art: A Book Dealing with the Psychology
and Folklore of the Witches. London: Herbert Jenkins, ND (1927). Second Edition.
Hardcover. Octavo. 320pp. Green cloth, lettered in darker green on spine & front
board. Appendix & index. "A Book Dealing with the Psychology and Folklore of the
Witches." Chapters include: Witchcraft a Primitive Cult, Initiation and Ceremony,
Spells, The Evil Eye and Possession, Practical Witchcraft, Witchcraft on the
Continent, Werewolves and Vampires, Blood and Fire in England, Demons and
Mascots, Witch-hunting Cameos, A Typical English Witch-Trial, Witchcraft in
America, Witchcraft Phantasmagoria, A Typical Witch-Tract, The Last Phase. Spine
ends rubbed, small mark on front board, foxing to page-edges & endpaper gutters,
otherwise a tight, clean VG+ copy (no dust jacket). (47208) $45.00
Harry B. Wright, Witness to Witchcraft. New York, NY: Funk & Wagnalls Company,
1957. First Edition. Hardcover. Octavo. 218pp. Red cloth with gilt titling to spine and
gilt device to upper board; b&w illustrations. The author's experiences traveling
amongst witch doctors and sorcerers in Africa, South America, Asia and the Pacific.
Not a scholarly survey, but a good old fashioned narrative of adventure and
exploration where he recounts passing time with the ju-ju men of the Niger, "a
b'unga among the cannibals of the Fang nations, on the Slave Coast a gree-gree
doctor, and in the Gabun country a Ngombo ... As a curious and roving observer
Harry Wright has gone from the headwater of the Maranon and the Amazon to the
jungles of New Guinea and the villages of the ancient Slave Coast of Africa. He has
witnessed the exotic "Taro Cult" in Papua; the "Jackal Dance" of the Bapende in the Belgian Congo; the
weird workings of the "Vivala Madness" in Dutch New Guinea; and the almost incredible evidence of
extra-sensory perception and communication among the primitive peoples of these continents." Cloth
lightly shelfworn, page edges a little darkened, paper browned, otherwise a clean unmarked better than
VG copy in Fair dust jacket (Dust jacket well worn and rubbed with a considerable amount of chipping at
all edges and extremities, price clipped). (55371) $8.00