Lot 199
Signed by the author John Webster. The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft: wherein is affirmed that there are many sorts of deceivers and impostors, and divers persons under a passive delusion of melancholy and fancy but that there is a corporeal league made betwixt the devil and the witch, or that he sucks on the witches body, has carnal copulation, or that witches are turned into cats, dogs raise tempests or the like, is utterly denied and disproved. Published by J. M. [Jonas Moore], London, 1677, First Edition. 4 to (11" x 7.5") Bound with calf spine featuring red leather title label and marbled boards (housed in fine brown box). The first 4 pages in facsimile, all other pages are orignial and complete. 436 pages + introduction and 5 pages at end " The Examination of Edmund Robinson... concerning the great meeting of the witches of Pendle..." and errata statement on last page (rarely present). There are early ink annotations in the texts (probably 17th century). This is a very rare book with unsigned auction prices of $5,000 in 2022 and 6,000 lbs. in 2020. Webster attacked the credulous views of Meric Casaubon Richard Glanville, and Henry More concerning witchcraft and demonology. He did not completely deny the existence of witches, but disputed the more extravagant statements about their powers . . . he also refuted the Scriptural arguments in favor of witchcraft. Considering one of the most important books of the 17th century on this topic and a must for any serious occult collection. John Webster (Born: Thornton-on-the Hill, Yorkshire, England, 3 February 1610; Died: Clitheroe, Lancashire, England, 18 June 1682) English puritan writer. He sometimes wrote under the Latinized name, "Johannes Hyphastes." Webster probably attended Cambridge. In 1634, he became curate of Kildwick in Craven, and in 1643, master of (Clitheroe grammar school!!). He was a chaplain and surgeon in the parlimentery army. By 1653, various accounts say he became a popular preacher and theological disputant in London. He is best remembered for his The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft (London, 1677) that attacked the existence of witches and warlocks and their dark practices. Please ask specific questions on details, condition, and shipping prior to bidding, ALL ITEMS ARE SOLD AS IS, and the bidder will be responsible for payment. We box and ship what we can to keep costs low, and use USPS and UPS. Large items, extremely fragile, and high value items will be packed by UPS. Quotes available on request
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Dimensions:
- 7.5" x 11" Condition:
- Very Good Condition for its age with a few wormholes at top of the last few pages not affecting text. A few pages with old stains in a few margins. The pages are still crisp and clear to read.
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