Full Description
Before Douce manuscript 116 landed in Oxford's Bodleian Library, this compilation of magical operations passed through the hands of four occult philosophers who recorded charms, seals, talismans, and magical lore over the seventeenth, eighteenth, and nineteenth centuries. Through expert annotations and translations of the original English, Latin, and Welsh content, Daniel Harms has made this untitled volume accessible to all collectors with this new hardcover book. The Book of Four Occult Philosophers reveals the secrets Robert Cross Smith (Raphael), Olivia Serres (Princess Olive), Thomas Harrington, and an unknown individual credited as 'W.' recorded over three centuries. This compendium of ceremonial magic contains historical spells, recipes, and rituals alongside passages about fairies, astrology, numerology, demon conjuring, and more. With red and black text and hundreds of illustrations by S. Aldarnay, this magical miscellany is the perfect addition to any collection of treasured occult works.
Contents
Contents
Acknowledgments / xxxiv
Disclaimer / xxxv
Introduction / 1
Douce MS. 116: A Description of the Manuscript / 2
The People of Douce MS. 116 / 4
The First Occult Philosopher / 4
The Manuscript / 4
The Late Seventeenth Century / 8
Contents / 10
The Second Occult Philosopher: Thomas Harrington / 13
Thomas Harrington / 13
The Eighteenth Century / 14
Contents / 17
The Third Occult Philosopher: Olivia Serres / 19
Princess Olive / 19
The Early Nineteenth Century / 21
Contents / 22
The Fourth Occult Philosopher: Raphael / 22
Robert Cross Smith / 22
Contents / 24
The Final Owner: Francis Douce / 25
The Editor / 28
Definitions and Editorial Philosophy / 29
Notes on Editing / 31
The Text / 35
Appendix: Alternative Illustrations / 535
Bibliography / 541
Manuscript Sources / 541
Printed Sources / 542
Index / 569
