![SCOT, Reginald (1538?-1599). The Discoverie of Witchcraft, wherin the lewde dealings of witches and witchmongers is notablie detected, the knauerie of conjurors, the impietie of inchantors. London: [Henry Denham for] William Brome, 1584. 4° (187 x 142mm), black letter, with some roman and italic, title with woodcut headpiece, woodcut illustrations, large floral and historiated initials and other woodcut ornaments (lacking 13 leaves, including *1-2 with full-page cuts, stained and soiled, several leaves shaved or torn with some loss, a few leaves coming loose). ?18th-century vellum over thin pasteboard stab-stitched onto block (soiled and darkened). Provenance: 16th-18th-century names, including Richard Browne, Thomas Williams, Thomas Chilton, and scribbles.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2005/CSK/2005_CSK_05623_0291_000(110434).jpg?w=1)
Details
SCOT, Reginald (1538?-1599). The Discoverie of Witchcraft, wherin the lewde dealings of witches and witchmongers is notablie detected, the knauerie of conjurors, the impietie of inchantors. London: [Henry Denham for] William Brome, 1584. 4° (187 x 142mm), black letter, with some roman and italic, title with woodcut headpiece, woodcut illustrations, large floral and historiated initials and other woodcut ornaments (lacking 13 leaves, including *1-2 with full-page cuts, stained and soiled, several leaves shaved or torn with some loss, a few leaves coming loose). ?18th-century vellum over thin pasteboard stab-stitched onto block (soiled and darkened). Provenance: 16th-18th-century names, including Richard Browne, Thomas Williams, Thomas Chilton, and scribbles.
FIRST EDITION of a widely read and well-argued refutation of the existence of witches and witchcraft. Witches, the author claims, are a social construct. He also provides much detailed information on ancient conjuring tricks, magical illusions and various cozening devices. The last treatise, on spirits and demons, reveals that Scot may have been a member of the "Family of Love." The Discoverie was highly influential as well as controversial, but there is no evidence that James VI of Scotland ordered it to be burned, as commonly asserted. The condition of the present copy attests to its frequent consultation. Bartlett 230; Norman 1915; STC 21864.
FIRST EDITION of a widely read and well-argued refutation of the existence of witches and witchcraft. Witches, the author claims, are a social construct. He also provides much detailed information on ancient conjuring tricks, magical illusions and various cozening devices. The last treatise, on spirits and demons, reveals that Scot may have been a member of the "Family of Love." The Discoverie was highly influential as well as controversial, but there is no evidence that James VI of Scotland ordered it to be burned, as commonly asserted. The condition of the present copy attests to its frequent consultation. Bartlett 230; Norman 1915; STC 21864.
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