A BOTANICAL GEM FROM 1400
ERBARIO
Erbario is a rare illustrated herbal from 15th-century Italy, featuring around 180 plant images that blend medieval fantasy with emerging naturalism. With bilingual notes in Latin and Veneto-Italian, it offers a fascinating glimpse into early botanical knowledge and folklore. This edition includes faithful transcriptions and translations, preserving the manuscript’s unique charm and historical depth. A must-have for collectors, herbalists, and lovers of the curious and rare.
AGRIPPA VON NETTESHEIM
De Occulta Philosophia. Vol. I–IV
A New and Complete Translation. This set contains all four Volumes of De Occulta Philosophia. Each Volume has a detailed index at the end of the book.
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa's Three Books of Occult Philosophy has exerted a fascination for centuries. Our new translation from the Latin of the 1533 edition aims to make this foundational work accessible to a new, wider audience.
We are publishing the text in three volumes, along with a fourth containing the apocryphal Fourth Book, and other magical texts by, or attributed to, Agrippa.
The Legacy of the "Bibliothèque Bleue" and Renaissance Grimoires
The Bibliothèque Bleue grimoires, which originated in France during the 17th century, constitute a fascinating chapter in the history of occult literature. This clandestine collection of pamphlets, often printed on cheap blue paper, hence their name, served as a conduit for disseminating folk magic, charms, and spells among the rural populace.
In an era of widespread illiteracy and limited access to formal education, the Bibliothèque Bleue grimoires played a crucial role in preserving and transmitting esoteric knowledge across generations. These pocket-sized booklets, adorned with crude woodcut illustrations, contained a diverse array of magical formulas, astrological predictions, and remedies for everyday ailments.
While the Bibliothèque Bleue grimoires lacked their contemporaneous counterparts' sophistication and scholarly rigour, they possessed a charm and practicality that resonated with their readership. From love spells to protective charms, these humble pamphlets provided solace and empowerment to individuals grappling with the uncertainties of rural life.
Despite their humble origins, the Bibliothèque Bleue grimoires profoundly influenced the development of occult literature, laying the groundwork for future generations of magical practitioners and scholars. Their legacy is a testament to the allure of magic and the human quest for meaning and empowerment in the face of adversity.
Today, the Bibliothèque Bleue grimoires remain a cherished artefact of folk culture and esoteric tradition, offering modern readers a tantalizing glimpse into the mystical world of our ancestors. Their quaint charm and enduring relevance continue to captivate enthusiasts of the occult, reminding us of the timeless allure of magic and the enduring power of the written word.
Paul Summers Young has undertaken the translation of these grimoires, ensuring their accessibility to contemporary audiences while preserving their authenticity and mystique. With meticulous attention to detail, Young's translations uphold the integrity of the original texts, allowing readers to explore the esoteric wisdom contained within.
We at Black Letter Press are dedicated to preserving and sharing these ancient works, aiming to enhance the study of occultism and offer enthusiasts insight into the practices and beliefs of past eras. Through our publications, we actively contribute to the enduring legacy of grimoires, inviting readers on a captivating journey into the enigmatic realms of magic and mystery.