Title: THE HISTORY OF MAGIC. To which is added an appendix of the most
remarkable and best authenticated stories of apparitions, dreams, second sight,
somnambulism, predictions, divination, witchcraft, vampires, fairies,
table-turning, and spirit-rapping.
Author: Joseph Ennemoser; Translated from the German by William Howitt
Publisher: Henry G. Bohn
City: LondonYear: 1854 (First Edition in English)Binding Style: Hardcover; 2 Volumes
Pagination: Volume I: 471 pages; Volume II: 518 pagesIllustrated: No
Book Details + Condition: Scarce first edition from 1854, in two volumes, of Ennemoser's THE HISTORY OF MAGIC. To which is added an appendix of the most remarkable and best authenticated stories of apparitions, dreams, second sight, somnambulism, predictions, divination, witchcraft, vampires, fairies, table-turning, and spirit-rapping. In good condition: both volumes are ex-library, but remain solid and firm. For both volumes: boards are well worn, with chipping to spine edges and general wear overall; library notations present on spine; stamp on bottom text block; library bookplate on inside front board; perforated stamp on title page; small numerical stamp on first page of Preface. Despite worn appearance, all pages are otherwise clean and free of markings — and Volume II even has a large portion of uncut pages (I kept them uncut). Please see images for further condition details. This scarce work was translated out of
the original German by Mary and William Howitt. Joseph Ennemoser was a notable
19th-century physician who became popular as a supporter and advocate of
mesmerism. He is perhaps most remembered for this work,
in which he describes every conceivable aspect of known magic. Content includes: magic in mythology, mythological symbolism, German witchcraft, supernatural abilities, magic of
Early Christians, demons, apparitions, haunted houses,
remarkable dreams, nightmare hauntings, second sight, fortune-telling, fairies, vampires, witchcraft, hallucinogenic magic herbs, and so much more. It concludes with a section dedicated
specifically to the Salem Witch Trials.
