The History of MAGIC 1657 FIRST EDITION Naude English OCCULT SUPERNATURAL DEMONS

SOLD.

Buy Now

First edition in English of The History of Magic by Way of Apology, For All the Wise Men Who Have Unjustly Been Reputed Magicians, From the Creation, to the Present Age. Written in French by G. Naudaeus, Late Library-Keeper to Cardinal Mazarin. Translated into English by J. Davies. Printed for John Streater, and are to be sold by the Book-Sellers of London in 1657.

-------------------

This famous book. was written in defence of celebrated scientists accused of being magicians or sorcerers. Among the men defended by Naudé are Cardanus, Geber, Lullius, Arnaldus de Villanova, Paracelsus, Agrippa von Nettesheym, R. Bacon, Pythagoras, Socrates, Thomas Aquinas and others. (Duveen 423). In this book, Naudé not only exonerates the previously-mentioned historical figures of practicing magic, he also divided magic into four categories: divine, theurgic, natural and witchcraft. The first three categories were legitimate, the final category was illegitimate. Naudé was one of the most widely-traveled and admired scholars of his day.

A similar copy was previously sold at Bonhams on 17th June 2021 for USD $5,737 (Lot 8).

Size: 17 x 12 x 2.5 cm.

Condition: Very Good (VG)

Rebound with calf leather and marbled boards, in a near fine condition with very minor scratches on boards and spine. Presents very well. Dulling to page edges. Title page laid down for professional repair, with corner torn but loosely attached, very small tear (does not affect text), prominent toning, and minor marks. Small loss to corner of leaf R2. Text block toned with minor foxing and marks. On a small handful of pages the toning and foxing is more prominent (similar to that pictured on the contents page). Very small pencil mark in the margin on pages 63 and 64. Very small tear to the page edge of page 273/4 (does not affect text). Very small inscription in the margin on page 288 and 289. Very small pen inscriptions on page 304 (pictured). Very small pen inscription in the margin on pages 306 and 308.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

About WoodPaz Books:

WoodPaz Books is an online antiquarian and rare book shop dedicated to great customer service and secure eco-friendly packaging. We know how frustrating it is to receive a book in sub-standard packaging, especially an expensive one! That's why every single one of our books is sent generously wrapped in bio-degradable bubblewrap housed in a sturdy cardboard box, irrespective of price. We mostly use Royal Mail, but occasionally use other providers for heavy orders, or orders for more than £2,500. Our books are stored in a temperature controlled environment in a smoke and pet free space, handled with the utmost care and attention.

We really do strive for the accuracy of our descriptions and condition reports in each listing. We aim to mention all of the main areas of the condition: the spine, hinges, joints, boards, page edges, page block, etc. We are highly knowledgeable on books and love talking about them! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

If you have any issues with any aspect of your order, please contact us first before leaving feedback and we will endeavour to rectify any issues. Our return rate is less than 1%, and many book-lovers swear by us as their source for luxury books. Thank you for considering us!

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

*We do not make any profit from the postage charge, this covers the cost of postage, insurance, and packaging.

**International postage fees are entirely calculated by eBay's Global Shipping Program and are independent from us. Any fees resulting from the import/export of products purchased from WoodPaz Books are entirely the responsibility of the buyer.