A stunning and extremely rare hand-colored example of the most infamous "Black Magic" grimoire in the Western tradition. While the imprint falsely claims "Rome, 1760," this edition was actually produced in Lille circa 1840 by Simon Blocquel, the legendary printer of livres de colportage (peddler's books) who popularized occult texts in 19th-century France.
The Grimoire of Pope Honorius holds a unique and dark reputation among magical texts. Unlike the Key of Solomon, which frames its operations within a generally pious (if heterodox) context, Honorius is explicitly diabolical. Attributed pseudepigraphically to Pope Honorius III (d. 1227) to lend it ecclesiastical authority, the text is designed for use by a "rebellious priest." It subverts Catholic liturgy—specifically the Mass and the Offices—utilizing the power of the Christian sacraments to compel and bind demons.
This specific edition is particularly prized for its visual content. It features 11 full-page plates that have been hand-colored, a rare feature that transforms the book into a vibrant magical object. These illustrations depict the magic circles, seals, and sigils required for the evocations—imagery that A.E. Waite described as arguably the most frankly "black magic" of all the major grimoires.
The volume also includes a "Collection of the Rarest Secrets" (Recueil des plus rares secrets), a compilation of folk magic remedies and charms typical of the bibliothèque bleue tradition, covering everything from protection against firearms to the curing of ailments.
Very Good to Near Fine condition. The contemporary half-calf binding is attractive and solid, with bright gilt tooling and a distinct red morocco label. The interior is remarkably well-preserved for a book of this type (which were often read to pieces). The hand-coloring on the plates remains vivid. A superior copy of a notorious text, rarely found in this condition with the colored plates intact.
Grimoire du Pape Honorius, avec un recueil des plus rares secrets. Rome [Lille]: [Simon Blocquel], 1760 [c. 1840]. 12° (138 x 90 mm). (22), 104, (20) pp. Illustrated with 11 full-page hand-colored plates, including engraved frontispiece and title page. Contemporary half calf with red morocco title label and floral gilt decorations to spine.
A stunning and extremely rare hand-colored example of the most infamous "Black Magic" grimoire in the Western tradition. While the imprint falsely claims "Rome, 1760," this edition was actually produced in Lille circa 1840 by Simon Blocquel, the legendary printer of livres de colportage (peddler's books) who popularized occult texts in 19th-century France.
The Grimoire of Pope Honorius holds a unique and dark reputation among magical texts. Unlike the Key of Solomon, which frames its operations within a generally pious (if heterodox) context, Honorius is explicitly diabolical. Attributed pseudepigraphically to Pope Honorius III (d. 1227) to lend it ecclesiastical authority, the text is designed for use by a "rebellious priest." It subverts Catholic liturgy—specifically the Mass and the Offices—utilizing the power of the Christian sacraments to compel and bind demons.
This specific edition is particularly prized for its visual content. It features 11 full-page plates that have been hand-colored, a rare feature that transforms the book into a vibrant magical object. These illustrations depict the magic circles, seals, and sigils required for the evocations—imagery that A.E. Waite described as arguably the most frankly "black magic" of all the major grimoires.
The volume also includes a "Collection of the Rarest Secrets" (Recueil des plus rares secrets), a compilation of folk magic remedies and charms typical of the bibliothèque bleue tradition, covering everything from protection against firearms to the curing of ailments.
Very Good to Near Fine condition. The contemporary half-calf binding is attractive and solid, with bright gilt tooling and a distinct red morocco label. The interior is remarkably well-preserved for a book of this type (which were often read to pieces). The hand-coloring on the plates remains vivid. A superior copy of a notorious text, rarely found in this condition with the colored plates intact.
Grimoire du Pape Honorius, avec un recueil des plus rares secrets. Rome [Lille]: [Simon Blocquel], 1760 [c. 1840]. 12° (138 x 90 mm). (22), 104, (20) pp. Illustrated with 11 full-page hand-colored plates, including engraved frontispiece and title page. Contemporary half calf with red morocco title label and floral gilt decorations to spine.
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