SYSTEM OF MAGICK OR A HISTORY OF THE BLACK ART - 1st 1973 - MAGICK, SATAN, DEVIL

A SYSTEM OF MAGICK; OR, A HISTORY OF THE BLACK ART. BEING AN HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF MANKIND'S MOST EARLY DEALING WITH THE DEVIL; AND HOW THE ACQUAINTANCE ON BOTH SIDES FIRST BEGAN

Book Details + Condition: EP Publishing Ltd. (Yorkshire, UK). First Edition from the publisher, 1973 (originally published in 1726-28). Very scarce. Hardcover with dust jacket. 408 pages. Daniel Defoe’s work explores the history of magic, and argues that all magical arts stem from humankind's early dealings with the Devil. Defoe traces the history of early magicians, the ancient Magi, and kings such as Zoroaster, and explores how respected ancient philosophers and astronomers eventually evolved into wizards and sorcerers. The book examines how humans first made contact with infernal powers, the different shapes the Devil assumes, and how magical operations raise spirits.

A very scarce modern reprint, with firm binding; light shelf wear to boards; library stamp to copyright page (the only such marking throughout the book); interior is clean and free of markings. Dust jacket remains in very good condition, and retains its original price (it had been covered with contact paper for protection). All books are carefully packed, and shipped in boxes.