Description
Book SynopsisThis is the first English translation of one of the most important, interesting and comprehensive discussions of the occult sciences ever published. Investigations into magic deals not only with magic in all its forms, from the manipulation of angelic and demonic powers to straightforward conjuring and illusion, but also with witchcraft, alchemy, astrology, divination, prophecy, and possession by evil spirits. In addition, Del Rio gives judges and confessors practical advice on the most effective ways of dealing with people who are accused of practising magic, and enlivens his whole discussion with anecdotes drawn from a remarkable range of sources, including his own experience. Nothing so panoramic had ever appeared before, and for the next one hundred and fifty years Investigations into magic was the indispensable reference work on the subject.
Trade Review'This volume represents an alliance between two meticulous bibliophiles, the demonologist del Rio and his editor Maxwell-Stuart, who has patiently identified most of the ancient, medieval and early modern texts upon which he relied for most of his source material. This translation makes accessible a major trove of source material as well as a famous polemical work.' Professor Ronald Hutton, Ecclesiastical History
Table of ContentsIntroduction
Prologue, explaining why this treatise has been difficult to write, but why it was necessary to do so.
Book 1: Magic in general, and Natural and Artificial Magic in Particular.
Book 2: Magic involving Evil Spirits
Book 3: Harmful Magic and Superstition
Book 4: Divination
Book 5: The Duty of Judges in dealing with Workers of Harmful Magic; or, The Judicial Process in Relation to the Crime of Magic.
Book 6: The Duty of a Confessor
