First edition in English of The History of Magic by Way of Apology, For All the Wise Men Who Have Unjustly Been Reputed Magicians, From the Creation, to the Present Age. Written in French by G. Naudaeus, Late Library-Keeper to Cardinal Mazarin. Translated into English by J. Davies. Printed for John Streater, and are to be sold by the Book-Sellers of London in 1657.
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This famous book. was written in defence of celebrated scientists accused of being magicians or sorcerers. Among the men defended by Naudé are Cardanus, Geber, Lullius, Arnaldus de Villanova, Paracelsus, Agrippa von Nettesheym, R. Bacon, Pythagoras, Socrates, Thomas Aquinas and others. (Duveen 423). In this book, Naudé not only exonerates the previously-mentioned historical figures of practicing magic, he also divided magic into four categories: divine, theurgic, natural and witchcraft. The first three categories were legitimate, the final category was illegitimate. Naudé was one of the most widely-traveled and admired scholars of his day.
A similar copy was previously sold at Bonhams on 17th June 2021 for USD $5,737 (Lot 8).
Size: 120 x 170 x 25 mm.
Condition:
Rebound with calf leather and marbled boards, in a near fine condition with very minor scratches on boards and spine. Presents very well. Dulling to page edges. Title page laid down for professional repair, with corner torn but loosely attached, very small tear (does not affect text), prominent toning, and minor marks. Small loss to corner of leaf R2. Text block toned with minor foxing and marks. On a small handful of pages the toning and foxing is more prominent (similar to that pictured on the contents page). Very small pencil mark in the margin on pages 63 and 64. Very small tear to the page edge of page 273/4 (does not affect text). Very small inscription in the margin on page 288 and 289. Very small pen inscriptions on page 304 (pictured). Very small pen inscription in the margin on pages 306 and 308.
