JF Ptak Science Books LLC Post 447
Below are 31 titles relating to witches and witchcraft, printed in the 16th through 18th century--they all share some absolutely fabulous title constructions, elements and phrases. For example, the great work by Reginald Scot (listed first, below) contains the following phrasing IN ITS TITLE:
"lewde dealing of witches and witchmongers
knaverie of conjurors
impietie of inchanters
follie of soothsaiers
impudent falsehood of cousenors
infidelitie of atheiststs
pestilent practises of Pythonists
curiositie of figurecasters
vanitie of dreamers
beggerlie art of Alcumystrie
abomination of idolatrie, the
horrible art of poisoning
vertue and power of naturall magicke,
conveiances of legierdemaine and juggling are deciphered..."
Laurent.Bordelon's title includes the following spectacular efforts: "Ridiculous Extravagancies of...Magick, the Black-Art, Daemoniacks, Conjurers, Witches, Hobgoblins, Incubus's, Succubus's and the Diabolical-Sabbath,Elves, Fairies, Wanton Spirits, Genius's, Spectres and Ghosts, Dreams, the Philosopher's-Stone, Judicial Astrology, Horoscopes,Talismans, Lucky and Unlucky Days, Eclipses, Comets, and all sorts of Apparitions, Divinations, Charms, Enchantments..."
And on and on. In my experience the titles of books on witchcraft and demonology are among the most creative and imaginatively flouncy.
Enjoy.
Scot, Reginald. The Discoverie of Witchcraft, Wherein the lewd dealing of witches and witchmongers is notablie detected, the knaverie of conjurors, the impietie of inchanters, the follie of soothsaiers, the impudent falsehood of cousenors, the infidelity of atheists, the pestilent practises of Pythonists, the curiositie of figurecasters, the vanitie of dreamers, the beggerlie art of Alcumystrie, The abomination of idolatrie, the horrible art of poisoning, the vertue and power of naturall magicke, and all the conveiances of legierdemaine and juggling
are deciphered: and many other things opened, which have long been hidden, howbeit verie necessarie to be known, 1584. Imprinted at London, by William Brome.
Bordelon, L. A History of the Ridiculous Extravagancies of Monsieur Oufle; Occasion'd by his reading Books treating of Magick, the Black-Art, Daemoniacks, Conjurers, Witches, Hobgoblins, Incubus's, Succubus's and the Diabolical-Sabbath; of Elves, Fairies, Wanton Spirits, Genius's, Spectres and Ghosts; of Dreams, the Philosopher's-Stone, Judicial Astrology, Horoscopes,
Talismans, Lucky and Unlucky Days, Eclipses, Comets,sorts of Apparitions, Divinations, Charms, Enchantments and other
Superstitious Practices. With Notes containing a multitude of
Quotations out of those Books, which have either Caused such
Extravagant Imaginations, or may serve to Cure them. Written
originally in French, by the Abbot B--; and now translated into
English. London, Printed for J. Morphew near Stationer's Hill,
1711.
Dee, John. A True & Faithful Relation of What passed for many
Yeers between Dr. John Dee (A Mathematician of Great Fame in Q.
Eliz. and King James their Reignes) and some spirits: Tending
(had it succeeded) to a general alteration of most States and
Kingdomes in the world. His private Conferences with Rodolphe
Emperor of Germany, Stephen K. of Poland, and divers other
Princes about it. The Particulars of his Cause, as it was
agitated in the Emperors Court; by the Popes intervention: his
banishment, and restoration in part. As also the letters of
Sundry Great Men and Princes (some whereof were present at some
of these Conferences and Apparitions of Spirits:) to the Said D.
Dee. Out of the original copy, written with Dr. Dees own hand,
kept in to library of Sir Tho. Cotton. With a Preface confirming
the Reality (as to the Point of Spirits) of This Relation: and
shewing the several good Uses that a Sober Christian may make of
All. By Meric Causaubon, D. D. London, Printed by D. Maxwell, for
T. Gartwait, and sold at the Little North door of S. Pauls and
other Stationers, 1659
Glanvil, Joseph. Saducismus Triumphatus: OR, Full and Plain
Evidence Concerning Witches and Apparitions. In Two Parts. The
First treating of their Possibility; The Second of their Real
Existence. The Third Edition. The Advantages whereof above the
former, the Reader may understand out of Dr H. More's Account
prefixed thereunto. With two Authentick, but wonderful Stories of
certain Swedish Witches; done into English by Anth, Norneck, D.D.
London, Printed for S. Lownds at his Shoppe by the Savoy-Gate.
1688..
Maule, Thomas. Truth Held Forth and Maintained According to the
Testimony of the holy Prophets, Christ and his Apostles recorded
in the holy Scriptures. With some Account of the Judgments of the
Lord lately inflicted upon New-England by Witchcraft. To which is
added, Something concerning the Fall of Adam, his state in the
Fall, and way of Restoration to God again, with many other
weighty things, necessary for People to weigh and consider.
Written in true Love to the Souls of my Neighbours, and all Men,
which includeth that Love to them, as to my self, by Thomas
Maule. Printed in the Year 1695. [no publisher listed].
Webster, John. The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft. Wherein is
affirmed that there are many sorts of Deceivers and Impostors,
And Divers persons under a passive Delusion of Melancholy and
Fancy. But that there is a Corporeal League made betwixt the
Devil and the Witch, Or that he sucks on the Witches Body, has
Carnal Copulation, or that Witches are turned into Cats, Dogs,
raise Tempests, or the like, is utterly denied and disproved.
Wherein also is handled, The Existence of Angels and Spirits, the
truth of Apparitions, the Nature of Astral and Sydereal Spirits,
the force of Charms, and Philters; with other abstruse matters.
By John Webster, Practitioner in Physick. London, Printed by J.
M. and are to be sold by the Booksellers in London. 1677. Reel
100, Item 1051.
Bekker, Balthasar. The World Turn'd Upside Down: or, A Plain
Detection of Errors, In the Common or Vulgar Belief, Relating To
Spirits, Spectres or Ghosts, Dæmons, Witches, &c. In a Due and
Serious Examination of their Nature, Power, Administration, and
Operation. In What Forms or Shape Incorporeal Spirits appear to
Men, by what Means, and of what Elements they take to themselves,
and form Appearances of Bodies, visible to mortal Eyes; why they
appear, and what Frights and Force of Imagination often delude us
into the Apprehensions of supposed Phantasms, through the
Intimidation of the Mind, &c. Also What evil Tongues have Power
to produce of Hurt to Mankind, or Irational Creatures; and the
Effects Men and Women are able to produce by their Communication
with Good or Evil Spirits, &c. Written at the Request of a Person
of Honour by B. B., a Protestant Minister for Publick
Information. London: Printed for Eliz. Harris, at the Harrow, in
Little-Britain. 1700.
Crouch, Nathaniel. The Kingdom of Darkness: or The History of
Dæmons, Specters, Witches, Apparitions, Possessions,
Disturbances, and other wonderful and supernatural Delusions,
Mischievous Feats, and Malicious Impostures of the Devil.
Containing near Fourscore memorable Relations, Forreign and
Domestick, both Antient and Modern. Collected from Authentick
Records, Real Attestations, Credible Evidences, and asserted by
Authors of Undoubted Verity. Together with a Preface obviating
the common Objections and Allegations of the Sadduces and
Atheists of the Age, who deny the Being of Spirits, Witches, &c.
With Pictures of several memorable Accidents. By R. B.
[pseudonym] Licensed and Entred according to Order. London,
Printed for Nath. Crouch at the Bell in the Poultrey near
Cheapside. 1688.
Crouch, Nathaniel. Wonderful Prodigies of Judgment and Mercy:
Discovered in Above Three Hundred Memorable Histories, Containing
I. Dreadful Judgments upon Atheists, Perjured Wretches,
Blasphemers, Swearers, Cursers and Scoffers. II. The Miserable
Ends of divers Magicians, Witches, Conjurers, &c. with several
strange Apparitions. III. Remarkable Presages of Approaching
Death, and of Appeals to Divine Justice. IV. The Wicked Lives,
and Woful Deaths of Wretched Popes, Apostates, and Desperate
Persecutors. V. Fearful Judgments upon Cruel Tyrants, Murderers,
&c. with the Wonderful Discovery of Murders. VI. Admirable
Deliverances from Imminent Dangers and Deplorable Distresses at
Sea and Land. VII. Divine Goodness to Penitents, with the Dying
Thoughts of several Famous Men concerning a Future State after
this Life. Impartially Collected from Antient and Modern Authors,
of undoubted Authority and Credit, and Imbellished with divers
Curious Pictures, of several Remarkable Passages therein. By R.
B. [pseudonym] Author of the History of the Wars of England, and
the Remarks of London, &c. London, Printed for Nath. Crouch at
the Bell, next to Kemp's Coffee-house in Exchange-Alley,.
Boulton, Richard. A Compleat History of Magick, Sorcery, and
Witchcraft; Containing, I. The Most Authentick and best attested
Relations of Magicians, Sorcerers, Witches, Apparitions,
Spectres, Ghosts, Daemons, and other preternatural Appearances.
II. A Collection of several very scarce and valuable Tryals of
Witches, particularly that famous one, of the Witches of
Warboyse. III. An Account of the first Rise of Magicians and
Witches; shewing the Contracts they make with the Devil, and what
Methods they take to accomplish their Infernal Designs. IV. A
full Confutation of all the Arguments that have ever been
produced against the Belief of Apparitions, Witches, & c. with a
Judgment concerning Spirits, by the late Learned Mr. John Locke.
Volume I. London, Printed for E. Curll at the Dial and Bible, J.
Pemberton at the Buck and Sun, both against St. Dunstan's Church
in Fleet-Street; and W. Taylor at the Ship in Pater-noster-Row,
1715.
Bovet, Richard. Pandæmonium, or, The Devil's Cloyster. 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 Daemons and
Spectres, and Fascinations of Witches never before Printed.
London, Printed for J. Walthoe at the Black Lion in Chancery over
against Lincolns Inn, 1684.
Calef, Robert; Collected by. More Wonders of the Invisible World:
Or, The Wonders of the Invisible World, Display'd in Five Parts.
Part I. An Account of the Sufferings of Margaret Rule, Written by
the Reverend Mr. C. M. P. II. Several Letters to the Author, &c.
And his Reply relating to Witchcraft. P. III. The Differences
between the Inhabitants of Salem Village, and Mr. Parris their
Minister, in New-England. P. IV. Letters of a Gentleman
uninterested, Endeavouring to prove the received Opinions about
Witchcraft to be Orthodox. With short Essays to their Answers. P.
V. A short Historical Accout of Matters of Fact in that Affair.
To which is added, A Postscript relating to a Book intitled, The
Life of Sir William Phips. Collected by Robert Calef, Merchant,
of Boston in New-England. Licensed and Entred according to Order.
London: Printed for Nath. Hillar, at the Princes-Arms, in
Leaden-Hall-Street, over against St. Mary-Ax, and Joseph Collyer,
at the Golden-Bible, on London-Bridge. 1700.
Gyfford, George. A Discourse of the Subtill Practises of Devils
by Witches and Sorcerers. By which men are and have been greatly
deluded: the antiquitie of them: their divers sorts and Names.
With an Answer unto divers frivolous reasons which some does make
to proove that the Devils did not make those Operations in any
bodily shape. Imprinted at London for Toby Cooke, 1587.
Boulton, Richard. A Compleat History of Magick, Sorcery, and
Witchcraft Vol. II, Sorcery, and Witchcraft; Containing, I. The
Trials of Several Witches at Salem in New-England. II. A
Narrative of many Surprising and Amazing Sorceries, and
Witchcrafts practised in Scotland. With the Learned Arguments of
lawyers on both sides, at the Tryals of Seven Witches and the
Remarkable Passages which happen'd at their Execution. III. The
Surrey Demoniack. With all the Testimonies and Information Taken
upon Oath relating thereunto. Volume II. London, Printed for E.
Curll at the Dial and Bible, J. Pemberton at the Buck and Sun,
both against St. Dustan's Church in Fleet-Street; and W. Taylor
at the Ship in Pater-noster-Row, 1716.
Hale, John. A Modest Enquiry into the Nature of Witchcraft, and
How Persons Guilty of that Crime may be Convicted: And the means
used for their Discovery Discussed, both Negatively and
Affirmatively, according to Scripture and Experience. By John
Hale, Pastor of the Church of Christ in Beverley, Anno Domini
1697. Boston in N. E. Printed by B. Green, and J. Allen, for
Benjamin Eliot under the Town House. 1702. Missing pages 1
through 16 and 171 through 176 are replaced by twenty two pages
of Kneeland and Adams, 1771 edition.
Le Loyer, Pierre. A Treatise of Specters or Straunge Sights,
Visions and Apparitions appearing sensibly vnto men. Wherein is
delivered, the Nature of Spirites, Angels, and Divels: their
power and properties: as also of Witches, Sorcerers, Enchanters,
and such like. With a Table of the Contents of the severall
Chapters annexed in the end of the Booke. Newly done out of
French into English. At London Printed by Val. S. For Mathew
Lownes. 1605.
Baxter, Richard. The Certainty of the World of the Spirits. Fully
evinced by the unquestionable Histories of Apparitions and
Witchcrafts, Operations, Voices, &c. Proving the Immortality of
Souls, the Malice and Misery of the Devils, and the Damned, and
the Blessedness of the Justified. Written for the Conviction of
Sadduces & Infidels. London, Printed for T. Parkhurst at the
Bible and Three Crowns in Cheapside, and J. Salusbury at the
Rising Sun over against the Royal Exchange, 1691.
Unknown. Anti-Canidia: or, Superstition Detected and Exposed. In
a Confutation of the vulgar Opinion concerning Witches, Spirits,
Demons, Magick, Divination, Omens, Prognostications, Dreams,
Augurys, Charms, Amulets, Incantations, Astrology, Orcales, c.
London: Printed for R. And J. Dodsley in Pall-mall; and sold by
J. Hinman in Pater-noster-Row, 1762. London: Printed for R. And
J. Dodsley in Pall-mall.
Aubin, Nicolas. The Cheats and Illusions of Romish Priests and
Exorcists. Discovered in the History of the Devils of London:
Begin an Account of the Pretended Possession of the Ursuline
Nuns, and of the Condemnation and Punishment of Urban Grandier a
parson of the same Town. London, Printed for W. Turner at the
Angel at Lincolns-Inn Back Gate and R. Bassett, at the Mitre by
Inner-Temple-Gate in Fleet Street, 1703
Ashdowne, William. An attempt to prove that the opinion
concerning the Devil, or Satan, as a fallen angel, and that he
tempts men to sin, hath no real foundation in scripture. Begin a
supplement to a pamphlet published, about the year 1770,
entituled, an enquiry into the scripture meaning of the word
Satan. The second edition with considerable Additions.
Canterbury, Printed and sold by W. Bristow; Also sold by Johnson
in St. Apul's Church-Yard, London; Townsend, Chatham; Ledger,
Dover; Burgess, Lewes; Chalmers, Maindstone; and all other
booksellers, 1794.
Fox, George. A Declaration of The Ground of Error & Errors,
Blasphemy, Blasphemers, and Blasphemies; and the ground of
Inchantings and seducing Spirits, and the Doctrine of Devils, the
Sons of Sorcerers, and the Seed of the Adulterer, and the Ground
of Nicromancy, which doth defile Witches and Wizards. How this is
all from the spirit of God in the transgression of it, and all
them that draw from the Spirit of God, draw into it; and they
that are lead by the spirit of God, are led from it to God, and
to the knowledge of the Doctrine of Christ. By G. F. London,
Printed for Giles Calvert, at the Black-spread Eagle neer the
West end of Pauls, 1657.
Camfield, Benjamin. An Appendix, Containing Some Reflections Upon
Mr. Webster's Displaying of Supposed Witch-craft, Wherein He
handles the Existence and Nature of Angels and Spirits. London,
Printed for Hen. Byome, at the Gun, at the Westend of S. Pauls
Church, 1678.
Darrell, John. A Detection of That Sinnfvl, Shamfvl, Lying, and
Ridicvlovs Discovrs, of Samvel Harshnet. Entitvled: A Discoverie
of the Frawdvlent Practises of Iohn Darrell. Wherein is
Manifestly and Apparantly Shewed in the Eyes of the World. Not
only the vnlikelihoode, but the flate impossibilitie of the
pretended counterfayting of William Somers, Thomas Darling, Kath.
Wright, and Mary Couper, togeather with the other 7. in
Lancashire, and the supposed teaching of them by the saide Iohn
Darrell. [London] Imprinted 1600.
Roberts, Alexander. A Treatise of Witchcraft. Wherein sundry
Propositions are laid downe, plainely discouering the wickednesse
of that damnable Art, with diuerse other speciall points annexed,
not impertinent to the same, such as ought diligently of euery
Christian to be considered. With a true Narration of the
Witchcrafts which Mary Smith, wife of Henry Smith Glouer, did
practice: Of her contract vocally made between the Deuill and
her, in solemne termes, by whose meanes she hurt sundry persons
whom she enuied: Which is confirmed by her owne confession, and
also from the publique Records of the Examination of diuerse vpon
their oathes: And Lastly, of her death and London, Printed by N.
O. for Samvel Man, and are to be sold at his Shop in Pauls
Church-yard at.
Viret, Pierre. The Second Part of the Demoniacke Worlde, or
worlde possessed with Devils, conteining three Dialogues: 1. Of
Familiar Devils. 2. Of Lunaticke Devils. 3. Of the conjuring of
Devils Imprinted at London for John Perin, and are to bee solde
in Paules Church-yard, at the signe of the Angel, 1583. Imprinted
at London for John Perin.
G.R., A.M. The Belief of Witchcraft Vindicated: Proving, From
Scripture, there have been Witches, and, from Reason, that there
may be Such still. In Answer to a late pamphlet, intituled, The
Impossibility of Witchcraft: Plainly proving, from Scripture and
Reason, That there never was a Witch, & c. London, Printed for J.
Baker at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row, 1712.
Bernard, Richard. A Gvide to Grand Ivry Men, Divided into Two
Books: In the First, is the Authors best aduice to them what to
doe, before they bring in a Billa vera in cases of Witchcraft,
with a Christian Direction to such as are too much giuen vp. on
euery crosse to thinke themselues bewitched. In the Second, is a
Treatise touching Witches good and bad, how they may bee knowne,
euicted and condemned, with many particulars tending thereunto.
The Second Addition. By Rich. Bernard of Batcombe. London,
Printed by Felix Kyngston for Edw. Blackmore, and are to be sold
at his shop in Pauls.
Temple Patrick Society. A Debate Proposed in the Temple Patrick
Society, And Fully Discussed By The Members, Whether Witches,
Wizards, Magicians, Sorcerers, &c. Had Supernatural Powers, And
by Means of Intercourse with, or Assistance from invisible
supernatural Agents, Had Knowledge of, and could Foretel future
Events, With Power over the Inhabitants of this World, Or to
perform Actions beyond the Power of human Nature. Philadelphia:
Printed by W. Young, Bookseller and Stationer, at the Corner of
Chesnut and Second Streets, For Mr. J. Knox and Rev. Bryce
Miller. 1788.
Unknown. The Impossibility of Witchcraft, Plainly proving, From
Scripture and Reason, That there never was a Witch; and that it
is both Irrational and Impious to believe there ever was. In
which the Depostions Agaist Jane Wenham, Lately Try'd and
Condemn'd for a Witch, at Hertford, are Confuted and Expos'd.
London Printed, and Sold by J. Baker, at the Black-Boy in
Pater-Noster-Row, 1712.
Muggleton, Lodowick. A True Interpretatjon of the Witch of Endor.
Spoken of in I Sam. 28. begin. at the II. Verse; Shewing, 1. How
She and all other Witches do beget or produce that familiar
spirit they deal with, and what a familiar spirit is, and how
those Voices are procured, and Shapes appear unto them, whereby
the ignorant and unbelieving people are deceived by them. [2.] It
is clearly made appear in this Treatise, that no spirit can be
raised without its body, neither can any spirit assume any body
after death; for if the spirit doth walk, the body must walk
also. 3. An Interpretation all those Scriptures, that doth seem
as if spirits might go out of mens bodies when they die, and
subsist in some place or other without bodies. Lastly, Several
other things needful for the mind of man to know; which whoever
doth understand it will be great satisfaction. [By Lodowick
Muggleton.] London, Printed in the Year 1669.
Farnworth, Richard. Witchcraft Cast out from the Religious Seed
and Israel of God. And the Black Art, Or, Nicromancery
Inchantments, Sorcerers, Wizards, lying Divination, Conjuration,
and Witchcraft, discovered, with the Ground, fruits, and effects
thereof: as it is proved to be acted in the Mistery of Iniquity,
by the power of darkness, and witnessed against by Scripture, and
declared against also, From, and By them that the world
scornfully calleth Quakers. Shewing, the danger thereof, that it
may be avoided, by all that fear God, as they will answer it in
the Great and Terrible day of the Lord, for he is utterly against
those abominations and wicked practises, and those that hold them
up, are upholders of the Devil's Kingdome, therefore a warning to
you all for going to wizards for Counsell, for you go from God,
to the Devill, that go to take Counsell of a wizard.... Also,
some things to clear the truth from Reproaches, lies and
slanders, and false accusations, occasioned by Daniel Bott and
his slander-carriers, which Daniel is a member to the water
baptized people, of which accusations cast upon the truth by him
and his slander-carriers, truth hath cleared it self and cast out
the slanders and false accusations, amongst them from whence they
came, there they do remain, one truth stands clear as by the
farther do appear: read and understand. Written in Warwickshire,
the ninth moneth, 1654. As a Judgement upon Witchcraft, and a
deniall, testimony and declaration against Witchcraft, from those
that the world reproachfully calleth Quakers. London, Printed for
Giles, Calvert at the Black Spread-Eagle at the West end of
Pauls, 1655.
For some reason, this caught my eye: "Crouch at the Bell, next to Kemp's Coffee-house in Exchange-Alley," and I thought I'd come upon some fabulous occult instruction, but Crouch is merely the author, is all. As an occasionally juggling atheist, I'm concerned that I should perhaps read Scot's book more closely. From Farnworth's title, I wasn't sure at first if is was good or bad to be a Quaker, but I think he thinks it's good, since they are treated with scorn and reproach. I note in the list "The impossibility of witchcraft," 1712, "Sold by J. Baker, at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row," as well as "The belief in witchcraft vindicated," 1712, "Sold by J. Baker, at the Black-Boy in Pater-Noster-Row." J. Baker was a smart man.
Posted by: Jeff | 29 December 2008 at 03:06 PM
Thanks Jeff for the very close reading! I'm sure that the bookseller "J. Baker at the Black-Boy in Paster-Noster-Row" and the other-faced and alternatively-based J. Baker of "J.Baker at the Black-Boy in Paster-Noster-Row" were two different Bakers of two different Paster-Noster-Rows. Yessir. Scot's book does deserve close reading, as it does have lots of nice pictures. By 1712 or so it was okay to be a Quaker again--a rough spell before, some rough pieces after, but 1712 I think was alright.
Posted by: John F. Ptak | 29 December 2008 at 10:47 PM
It's fascinating that Jeff would admit to his juggling-atheist proclivities.
I don't believe in juggling.
Posted by: Rick | 30 December 2008 at 03:02 PM