Gervasius Pizzurni - Enchiridion Exorcisticum - 1668

Gervasius Pizzurnus — Enchiridion Exorcisticum, 1668

Rare old edition published in Lyon in 1668 by Antonius Valançon, dedicated to exorcism, magical phenomena and their medical and religious interpretation.

This Latin work by Gervasius Pizzurnus, a cleric of the Order of Minims, constitutes a remarkable testimony to 17th-century thought and to the relations between ancient medicine, theology, demonology, exorcism, and beliefs in the supernatural.

The copy is preserved in an elegant old leather binding, with a richly decorated spine of gilded motifs and a dark morocco title piece. The spine decoration is particularly appealing and gives the work a true presence of an antique library.

Condition

Very good overall condition for a 17th-century work.

The binding is well preserved and remains solid, with slight signs of use and aging consistent with its age. The pages show a pleasant natural patina of old paper, with a few marks and discreet foxing, without impairing readability.

The photographed pages are clean, well printed and perfectly legible. Overall, it retains a very bibliophile appearance.

Highlights

* 1668 — 17th century
* Ancient Lyon edition
* Text in Latin
* Work devoted to exorcism, magic and so-called “magical” affections
* Ancient leather binding richly decorated
* Very good overall condition
* Rare subject and particularly sought after by collectors of old books, history of medicine, demonology and historical esotericism

There are 3 unnumbered flyleaves before the text begins, then 3 unnumbered flyleaves after the text. I do not notice any other unprinted blank sheets.

A rare and particularly decorative piece that will naturally find its place in a collection of old books or historical curiosities.