Grimoire: Les Oeuvres Magiques de Henri-Corneille Agrippa

5RR Agrippa, first printed 1744, 19th century printing. In French.

Notes

Grimoires are books of magic, often containing instructions on performing spells, rituals, and invocations, as well as detailed knowledge of astrology, alchemy, and other occult practices. They have played a central role in Western esotericism and occult traditions for centuries. The term "grimoire" is often associated with a practical guide to the occult arts, and the contents of grimoires may vary widely, including magical symbols, prayers, and procedures for communicating with supernatural entities, especially spirits or angels. Historically, grimoires were used by magicians, witches, and practitioners of the occult to gain power, knowledge, or divine favor, often blending religious elements with folklore and arcane teachings.

Les Œuvres Magiques de Henri-Corneille Agrippa refers to the collected magical works of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa, a renowned 16th-century scholar and occultist. Agrippa's De Occulta Philosophia (The Occult Philosophy), a key component of this collection, is one of the most influential grimoires in Western esotericism. Written in the early 1500s, this work presents a detailed system of magic that merges classical philosophy with medieval and Renaissance occultism. It is divided into three main sections: natural magic, celestial magic, and divine magic.

Very rare and sought after addition. This French translation of the popular grimoire hep Heptameron guides, the reader to summon specific angels for each day of the week and offer simple, love spells, incantations against illnesses, and those for protection of livestock. The text ends with the instruction to train a fly to detect buried treasure

Agrippa's grimoire is notable for its intellectual depth and philosophical approach, which combines aspects of Hermeticism, Kabbalah, astrology, and Neoplatonism. It was intended not only as a manual for practical magic but also as a treatise on understanding the hidden forces of nature and the universe. Les Œuvres Magiques influenced countless later occult traditions, including alchemy and the Western mystical traditions, and remains an important text in occult literature. Agrippa's work provided a structured and intellectual framework for magic, which set the stage for future generations of magicians, occultists, and scholars.

Description

Marbled boards with green leather spine. Gilt lettering on the spine. Marbled edges. Rubbing to the extremities. Some chipping along upper and lower edges as well. Many images throughout. Minimal browning. 19th century reprint. Fine condition overall.