Franciscus Carolus - Rituale Ecclesiae Leodiensis - 1782

Rituale Ecclesiae Leodiensis – Liège, 1782 – Catholic Ritual with extensive section on Exorcism, Demons & Maleficia
Rituale Ecclesiae Leodiensis, jussu Francisci Caroli, Episcopi, editum. Pars Prima [et Pars Secunda].
Liège (Leodii), Ex Officina Typographica Clementis Plomteux, 1782.
An attractive and complete 18th-century Catholic ritual of the Diocese of Liège, particularly remarkable for its extensive section devoted to exorcism, demonic possession, maleficia and the discernment of spirits.
Printed throughout in black and red, with an engraved title vignette, large decorative Rococo-style headpieces and numerous ornamental initials.
The section on Exorcism
Of particular historical interest is the extensive chapter “De Exorcismis” in the second part (pp. 47–83).
It contains official ecclesiastical instructions and rites concerning exorcism, including:
Quid sit Exorcismus – What an exorcism is
Instructio ad Exorcistas – Instruction for exorcists
Modus discernendi Spiritus an boni, an mali sint – How to discern whether spirits are good or evil
Ordo Exorcismorum – The order and formulas of exorcism
Exorcism of the possessed
Exorcism concerning animals
Contra maleficia lactis, butyri, etc. – Against maleficia affecting milk, butter, etc.
Contra tempestatem, fulgura, etc. – Against storms and lightning
Contra animalia noxia, vermes, mures, etc. – Against harmful animals, worms and mice
Domus à daemonio vexatae – Concerning a house afflicted by a demon
This substantial section provides a fascinating insight into the official Catholic treatment of possession, harmful magic, supernatural affliction and exorcism in the late 18th century.
Contents and collation
Complete in two parts bound together:
Pars Prima: 312 pages
Pars Secunda: 120 pages
The pagination corresponds with the bibliographical collation.
The work contains the sacraments and rites of the Diocese of Liège, including Baptism, Penance, Eucharist, Matrimony, blessings and other ecclesiastical ceremonies.
Printing and binding
A particularly attractive production, with extensive red-and-black typography, decorative initials and large ornamental headpieces.
Contemporary/early leather binding with gilt decoration and gilt-lettered spine label: “RITUALE LEODIENSIS.”
Marbled endpapers and striking red-coloured page edges.
An old bookseller's label of Librairie Spee-Zelis, Rue devant les Carmes, Liège is preserved on the front pastedown, providing an interesting Liège provenance.
Condition
Internally a very attractive and well-preserved copy, with clean, crisp printing and strong red typography. Occasional minor spotting and age-related marks.
The leather binding shows considerable age and use, with rubbing and surface loss to the boards. The spine and particularly the front joint show wear and splitting and should be handled with care. Please study the photographs carefully as they form an important part of the condition description.
Despite the wear to the binding, the book block and printed interior remain remarkably attractive.
A complete and visually appealing 1782 Liège ritual, particularly notable for its substantial 37-page section on exorcism, possession, maleficia, evil spirits and demonically afflicted houses.
In total 312 + 120 pp.