Magic--Clavicula

183 pages, folio (290 x 190mm.), written in brown ink, zodiacal tables, one large pentacle ("Pentacolo Massimo"), and 44 half-page pentacles, some coloured in black or blue, illustrations of knives, sickle, stylus, bastone, fasces, swords, needle and occult symbols, paginated by the scribe (1-161), ruled margins, 5 further blank ruled leaves, watermarked with arms of Nuremburg, later vellum gilt, book plate of F G Waller 1933, upper hinge cracking

Joseph H Peterson, "Twilit Grotto: Archives of Western Esoterica", http://www.esotericarchives.com/solomon/ksol.htm

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

"The Key of Solomon is the most famous and important of all Grimoires, or handbooks of Magic" (Peterson).  Manuscripts of the complete work are rarely offered for sale.   In this manuscript, it is divided into two books (of seventeen and 24 chapters), containing conjurations and experiments to summon and control spirits(illustrated by over 40 magical pentacles), and on exorcism and the use of magical swords and other ritual implements (also illustrated).  The same early eighteenth-century hand has added another shorter version, entitled Clavicola de Salamone, tradotta dalla lingua hebraica dal dottisimo mathematico Melchiore d'Egypto (17pp.), containing ten smaller circles and diagrams.

The text is late medieval in origin, and circulated in various manuscript translations until first published in 1889.  The text of this manuscript derives from one of the most important: Abraham Colorno's Italian translation of the late sixteenth century, ordered by the Duke of Mantua.  The numerous copies of, and derivative translations stemming from, Colorno's version are recorded by Joseph H Peterson.