Daemonologia : A Discourse on Witchcraft as it was Acted in the Family of Mr. Edward Fairfax, of Fuyston, in the County of York, in the Year 1621; Along with the Only Two Eclogues of the Same Author Known to be in Existence. With a Biographical Introduction, and Notes Topographical & Illustrative
Harrogate: R. Ackrill, 1882. First printing thus. Green bubble-grained cloth, blind ruled with gilt titles. Octavo. [6], v, [iv], 189, [3]. 8.25" x 5.5" Period almanac article pasted to ffep with inked name; front hinge just starting, but holding strong; rubbing to edges with spots of wear; moderate rubbing to boards; darkening to a couple pre- and post-lims, else internally clean; overall a near fine copy, tight and bright. Item #230600
Edward Fairfax was an early 17th century poet, best known for his translation of Tasso's "Jerusalem Delivered." In 1621, he believed his neighbors were working witchcraft over his children. The tales of their bewitchment are recounted here in Daemonologia. The accused were eventually acquitted of being witches, leaving English historian and poet William Grainge, along with other readers, to wonder what could have happened to cause Fairfax's children to suffer from such strange maladies.
Daemonologia survived as a manuscript before being published for the first time in 1859 exclusively for the Philobiblon Society. This edition was put together by Grainge and includes his introduction, as well as Fairfax's Eclogues.
Price: $425.00