MARTINO DEL RIO - DISQUISITIONUM MAGICARUM LIBRI SEX - 1657

MARTINO DEL RIO – DISQUISITIONUM MAGICARUM LIBRI SEX

Ancient book in Latin on magic, superstitions and demonology – Rare old edition to identify

Author: Martinus Del Rio (Martino Del Rio, 1551–1608)
Title: Disquisitionum magicarum libri sex
Language: Latin
Binding: Ancient stiff leather binding, with gilded decorations on the spine
Illustrations: Frontispiece engraved with an elaborate figurative frame and allegorical scenes
Condition: Ancient condition, with evident signs of time

Description of the lot

Interesting antique volume in Latin, titled Disquisitionum magicarum libri sex, work of Jesuit theologian Martin Del Rio, one of the best-known authors in European literature devoted to magic, demonology and superstitious beliefs of the 16th and 17th centuries.

The work addresses, with theological and legal approach, the so-called magical arts, superstitions, witchcraft and beliefs related to occult practices. The treatise enjoyed wide diffusion in early modern Europe and constitutes a significant historical testimony of religious culture and thought of the era.

The volume stands out for its suggestive engraved frontispiece, featuring a rich ornamental composition with human figures, symbolic scenes and illustrated panels surrounding the central title. The page presents notable aesthetic and documentary interest for collectors of ancient books, historical engravings and demonology texts.

The binding is an old brown leather, with raised spine and gilded decorative motifs, today partially worn. The covers show an original patina coherent with the book’s long history.

Conservation conditions

The book shows evident signs of time, compatible with long conservation:

- Leather binding with abrasions, cracks and widespread wear.
- Worn spine, with loss of material corresponding to some raised lines.
- Yellowed and browned pages, with stains and halos of varying intensity.
- Frontispiece preserved and visible, with aging marks.
- Some imperfections and traces of wear on the papers and margins.

The lot is offered in the conservation state documented by photographs, with no declared restoration interventions.

Collectible interest

A work of particular interest for collectors of antique books, history of witchcraft, demonology, historical occultism, religious culture and period engravings. The illustrated frontispiece and the antique binding contribute to the historical charm of the volume.

A genuinely ancient specimen, suitable for a private collection of historical books or a library dedicated to European culture of the early modern age.