1830 - Letters On Demonology and Witchcraft, Sir Walter Scott
This is an unusual and wonderful tome: Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, penned by the esteemed Sir Walter Scott and graced by the darkly whimsical artistry of George Cruikshank. Herein lies not a mere historical account, but a delving into the shadowy corners of human belief, where whispers of familiars and the dread sabbat held sway over trembling souls. Scott, with his keen intellect and romantic sensibility, unravels the tangled threads of superstition, revealing the potent brew of fear and folklore that fueled the witch trials and fascination with the spectral realm.
Within these epistolary exchanges, addressed to the discerning J. G. Lockhart, the reader shall traverse landscapes haunted by wraiths and mischievous spirits, encountering tales of demonic pacts and the uncanny powers attributed to mortals. Cruikshank's evocative illustrations serve as fitting companions on this journey, his needlework conjuring forth grotesque figures and eerie scenes that dance between the palpable and the phantasmal. This volume includes interesting and relevant newspaper clippings (pasted within) detailing instances of supernatural and paranormal encounters.
To hold this volume is to commune with the intellectual currents of the early 19th century, a period grappling with Enlightenment ideals while still captivated by the allure of the occult. This is a first edition of the book in excellent condition, with a blue silk page marker and interesting bookplates.
Sir Walter Scott and George Cruikshank. Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft. First Edition. London: John Murray. [4], IX, [1], 402p., engraved uncoloured frontispiece after J. Skene, extra illustrated with 12 plates by Cruikshank, later straight grained brown morocco, boards twice ruled in gilt, original spine ruled in gilt, spine gilt with fleurons, title, author and year, raised bands, t.e.g., period newspaper clippings, original endpapers, 12mo.
This is an unusual and wonderful tome: Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, penned by the esteemed Sir Walter Scott and graced by the darkly whimsical artistry of George Cruikshank. Herein lies not a mere historical account, but a delving into the shadowy corners of human belief, where whispers of familiars and the dread sabbat held sway over trembling souls. Scott, with his keen intellect and romantic sensibility, unravels the tangled threads of superstition, revealing the potent brew of fear and folklore that fueled the witch trials and fascination with the spectral realm.
Within these epistolary exchanges, addressed to the discerning J. G. Lockhart, the reader shall traverse landscapes haunted by wraiths and mischievous spirits, encountering tales of demonic pacts and the uncanny powers attributed to mortals. Cruikshank's evocative illustrations serve as fitting companions on this journey, his needlework conjuring forth grotesque figures and eerie scenes that dance between the palpable and the phantasmal. This volume includes interesting and relevant newspaper clippings (pasted within) detailing instances of supernatural and paranormal encounters.
To hold this volume is to commune with the intellectual currents of the early 19th century, a period grappling with Enlightenment ideals while still captivated by the allure of the occult. This is a first edition of the book in excellent condition, with a blue silk page marker and interesting bookplates.
Sir Walter Scott and George Cruikshank. Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft. First Edition. London: John Murray. [4], IX, [1], 402p., engraved uncoloured frontispiece after J. Skene, extra illustrated with 12 plates by Cruikshank, later straight grained brown morocco, boards twice ruled in gilt, original spine ruled in gilt, spine gilt with fleurons, title, author and year, raised bands, t.e.g., period newspaper clippings, original endpapers, 12mo.
This is an unusual and wonderful tome: Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, penned by the esteemed Sir Walter Scott and graced by the darkly whimsical artistry of George Cruikshank. Herein lies not a mere historical account, but a delving into the shadowy corners of human belief, where whispers of familiars and the dread sabbat held sway over trembling souls. Scott, with his keen intellect and romantic sensibility, unravels the tangled threads of superstition, revealing the potent brew of fear and folklore that fueled the witch trials and fascination with the spectral realm.
Within these epistolary exchanges, addressed to the discerning J. G. Lockhart, the reader shall traverse landscapes haunted by wraiths and mischievous spirits, encountering tales of demonic pacts and the uncanny powers attributed to mortals. Cruikshank's evocative illustrations serve as fitting companions on this journey, his needlework conjuring forth grotesque figures and eerie scenes that dance between the palpable and the phantasmal. This volume includes interesting and relevant newspaper clippings (pasted within) detailing instances of supernatural and paranormal encounters.
To hold this volume is to commune with the intellectual currents of the early 19th century, a period grappling with Enlightenment ideals while still captivated by the allure of the occult. This is a first edition of the book in excellent condition, with a blue silk page marker and interesting bookplates.
Sir Walter Scott and George Cruikshank. Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft. First Edition. London: John Murray. [4], IX, [1], 402p., engraved uncoloured frontispiece after J. Skene, extra illustrated with 12 plates by Cruikshank, later straight grained brown morocco, boards twice ruled in gilt, original spine ruled in gilt, spine gilt with fleurons, title, author and year, raised bands, t.e.g., period newspaper clippings, original endpapers, 12mo.