1612 - Inquisition's Encyclopedia of Magic, Necromancy and Witchcraft
Martin Del Rio (1551-1608) was a Flemish Jesuit scholar and demonologist, renowned for his expertise in law and theology. Born in Antwerp, he studied at prestigious institutions across Europe, including the University of Leuven and the University of Salamanca. Del Rio joined the Society of Jesus in 1580 and went on to teach at several Jesuit colleges.
Del Rio's most influential work, "Disquisitionum Magicarum" (Investigations into Magic) became a cornerstone of demonological literature during the witch trials era. This extensive treatise examined the nature of magic, witchcraft, and demonic influence, offering detailed classifications of demons and their activities. While intended as a guide for identifying and combating evil, the Disquisitionum also inadvertently stoked fears and anxieties surrounding witchcraft, contributing to the persecution of countless individuals accused of consorting with the devil. While the Malleus Maleficarum may have ignited the fire of the witch trials, the Disquisitionum Magicarum added fuel, solidifying and perpetuating the belief in witchcraft and its associated dangers. This is an intense and historically important volume. It is not unreasonable to be a little scared of this book. But it is a must-have volume in the library of anyone seriously interested in the study of magic and witchcraft in the era of the witch trials.
1612. Martin Del Rio. Disquisitionum Magicarum. Moguntiae (Mainz) in Quarto. Stiff vellum wrapper, yapp edges. Bold handwritten title on spine, with ink having attacked vellum. Signature on first blank and title. First blank damaged but attached (early binder’s attachment showing). Damage to title page but intact, strong dog-earring to first several pages. Toning, browning and foxing as expected. Text complete in 1070 pages (index starting 1057). Final blank damaged. A volume that testifies to the ravages of history and yet remains the single most powerful encyclopedia of the occult from the times of the witch trials.
Martin Del Rio (1551-1608) was a Flemish Jesuit scholar and demonologist, renowned for his expertise in law and theology. Born in Antwerp, he studied at prestigious institutions across Europe, including the University of Leuven and the University of Salamanca. Del Rio joined the Society of Jesus in 1580 and went on to teach at several Jesuit colleges.
Del Rio's most influential work, "Disquisitionum Magicarum" (Investigations into Magic) became a cornerstone of demonological literature during the witch trials era. This extensive treatise examined the nature of magic, witchcraft, and demonic influence, offering detailed classifications of demons and their activities. While intended as a guide for identifying and combating evil, the Disquisitionum also inadvertently stoked fears and anxieties surrounding witchcraft, contributing to the persecution of countless individuals accused of consorting with the devil. While the Malleus Maleficarum may have ignited the fire of the witch trials, the Disquisitionum Magicarum added fuel, solidifying and perpetuating the belief in witchcraft and its associated dangers. This is an intense and historically important volume. It is not unreasonable to be a little scared of this book. But it is a must-have volume in the library of anyone seriously interested in the study of magic and witchcraft in the era of the witch trials.
1612. Martin Del Rio. Disquisitionum Magicarum. Moguntiae (Mainz) in Quarto. Stiff vellum wrapper, yapp edges. Bold handwritten title on spine, with ink having attacked vellum. Signature on first blank and title. First blank damaged but attached (early binder’s attachment showing). Damage to title page but intact, strong dog-earring to first several pages. Toning, browning and foxing as expected. Text complete in 1070 pages (index starting 1057). Final blank damaged. A volume that testifies to the ravages of history and yet remains the single most powerful encyclopedia of the occult from the times of the witch trials.
Martin Del Rio (1551-1608) was a Flemish Jesuit scholar and demonologist, renowned for his expertise in law and theology. Born in Antwerp, he studied at prestigious institutions across Europe, including the University of Leuven and the University of Salamanca. Del Rio joined the Society of Jesus in 1580 and went on to teach at several Jesuit colleges.
Del Rio's most influential work, "Disquisitionum Magicarum" (Investigations into Magic) became a cornerstone of demonological literature during the witch trials era. This extensive treatise examined the nature of magic, witchcraft, and demonic influence, offering detailed classifications of demons and their activities. While intended as a guide for identifying and combating evil, the Disquisitionum also inadvertently stoked fears and anxieties surrounding witchcraft, contributing to the persecution of countless individuals accused of consorting with the devil. While the Malleus Maleficarum may have ignited the fire of the witch trials, the Disquisitionum Magicarum added fuel, solidifying and perpetuating the belief in witchcraft and its associated dangers. This is an intense and historically important volume. It is not unreasonable to be a little scared of this book. But it is a must-have volume in the library of anyone seriously interested in the study of magic and witchcraft in the era of the witch trials.
1612. Martin Del Rio. Disquisitionum Magicarum. Moguntiae (Mainz) in Quarto. Stiff vellum wrapper, yapp edges. Bold handwritten title on spine, with ink having attacked vellum. Signature on first blank and title. First blank damaged but attached (early binder’s attachment showing). Damage to title page but intact, strong dog-earring to first several pages. Toning, browning and foxing as expected. Text complete in 1070 pages (index starting 1057). Final blank damaged. A volume that testifies to the ravages of history and yet remains the single most powerful encyclopedia of the occult from the times of the witch trials.