Scot, Reginald

Estimate

18,000 - 25,000 USD

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Description

The Discoverie of Witchcraft, Wherein the Lewde Dealing of Witches and Witchmongers is Notablie Detected, the Knaverie of Conjurors, the Impietie of Inchantors, the Follie of Soothsaiers, the Impudent Falshood of Cousenors, the Infidelitie of Atheists, the Pestilent Practises of Pythonists, the Curiositie of Figurecasters, the Vanitie of Dreamers, the Beggerlie Art of Alcumystrie, the Abhomination of Idolatrie, the Horrible Art of Poisoning, the Vertue and Power of Naturall Magike, and All the Conveiances of Legierdemaine and Juggling Are Deciphered. [London: Printed by [Henry Denham for] William Brome], 1584
paper, ink, leather

4to (6 3/4 x 5 in.; 172 x 127 mm). Woodcut headpiece on title-page, text in black letter with side-notes in italic and roman, woodcut historiated and floral initials, head- and tailpieces, woodcut illustrations including 6 full-page (4 inserted as *1–2 between quires 2D and 2E), 4 tables; washed and pressed with residual soiling and mottling to first and last leaves, outer corners of title-page skillfully repaired, a few side-notes and headlines just shaved, light occasional browning, tear affecting bottom 5 text lines of 2C8 repaired. Nineteenth-century black morocco paneled gilt, pointillé cornerpieces within and gilt fleurons outside frame, gilt dentelles, marbled endpapers, spine decorated and lettered gilt, edges gilt; joints and spine ends rubbed.

Literature

STC 21864; ESTC S116888; Norman 1915

Catalogue Note

First edition, divided into sixteen books and followed by a Treatise upon the Nature and Substance of Spirits and Divels. In addition to his knowledge of country law courts and village lore, Scot consulted numerous works in Latin and English to substantiate his view that belief in witchcraft and magic has no rational or religious basis. He attributes manifestations of witchcraft to imposture and trickery, as demonstrated in books 13 and 14, where he exposes conjuring tricks, magical illusions and various cozening devices. "While Scot's enlightened views did have some good effect, many ... responded with a vigorous defense of the old beliefs. Scot's detractors included James VI of Scotland ... who described Scot's opinions as 'damnable,' and ordered Scot's book burned upon his accession to the throne" (Norman).