1677 First Edition "The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft" by John Webster
Item Details
A first edition folio The Displaying of Supposed Witchcraft by minister John Webster (English, 1610-1682). Although Webster does not completely deny the existence of witches, the work is mostly skeptical of the evidence of witches and witchcraft, particularly the views expressed by Henry More and Joseph Glanvil.
Title and Author/Editor | 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. Wherein also is handled, The Existence of Angels and Spirits, the truth of Apparitions, the Nature of Astral and Sydereal Spirits, the force of Charms,and Philters; with other abstrus matters. (John Webster, 1610-1682) |
Genre | History, Religion |
Binding | Leather, Leather spine label |
Publisher or Printer | Printed by J. M. and are to be sold by the Booksellers in London |
Publication Year | 1677 |
Place of Publication | London |
Edition Statement | First Edition |
Language | English |
Number of Books | 1 |
Additional Information | 2⁰: [ 16 ] 1-346, [ 4 ]; A – 2Y 4; 183 leaves. With rare Imprimatur initial page dated 1676 present |
Condition
- both front and back boards detached; spine leather peeling with loss and extensive chipping; extensive edgewear to boards with some scuffing and scratches; last gatherings (p. 307 to end) detached, binding otherwise tight; 1918 newspaper and auction announcement clippings tipped in to inner front board and front flyleaf; front flyleaf detached with cellophane tape residue; Imprimatur leaf detached with cellophane tape residue to the verso with mild chipping and toning at edges; light foxing to the title page with some toning near edges; evidence of light water staining to some pages not affecting text; some pencil markings throughout; some pages with light foxing; evidence that page edges were gilt, now mostly faded.
Dimensions
Item #
ITMG068528