Second Hand / Antiquarian
The Return of the Hero by Michael Ireland
Published: Chapman and Dodd Limited, London 1923
Condition: Good, no dust jacket. An ex-library book, from the Besant Memorial Library. The boards are in very good condition, slightly worn but with no significant bumps or frayed edges. Binding is firm, pages are clean and unmarked.
‘The Return of the Hero’ is a satirical novel, presenting a sharp critique of social and religious institutionalism by exploring the clash between ancient pagan ideals and early Christianity by way of
witty, philosophical and spirited debates between Oisin, the legendary Fenian warrior and St Patrick. Michael Ireland is the pseudonym of Darrell Figgis, the Irish author and politician.
£550.00
Deluxe Edition, published by Three Hands Press. Quarter red pigskin and slipcase. Limited to 41 hand-numbered copies.
Condition: Fine / As New.
Plants of the Devil examines the history and magic of herbs associated with Satan and his minions, delving into the folklore of ancient Europe and the British Isles. Included in the book are the diabolical concepts of the Wild Adversary and the Devil’s Garden, Temptation, plants that harm and curse such as Blackberry, Stinging Nettle, Briar Rose, and Thistle, Poisonous Plants, herbs of evil omen, and herbs for protection, or 'Plants to keep the Dark Prince at bay.' The book will be of great interest to students of the occult, witchcraft, and plant folklore. The book is illustrated throughout with original illustrations of Marzena Ablewska, known for her evocative characterizations of plants and the sinister feminine.
£550.00
Deluxe Edition, published by Three Hands Press. Limited to 44 hand-numbered copies in full earthen goatskin, with marbled endpapers and slipcase.
Condition: Fine / As New.
Even after the practice of witch-hunting and persecution began to wane, malefic sorcery was greatly feared as a baneful and pernicious influence, particularly in rural areas during the 18th and 19th century. The arsenal of folk-magical armaments against such powers included charms, spells, rituals, sigils, and magical squares, as well as the use of magical herbs and words of power. Many of these practices resembled in method and materiel the very evil they were meant to combat, embodying in themselves a savour of the sinister and demonic.
Accessing a diverse array of historical and folkloric sources, A.D. Mercer's The Wicked Shall Decay gathers together a collection of obscure British magic featuring curses, anti-witchcraft spells and hedges against malevolent power. Greatly treasured in their day for their efficacy, these rites document a widespread tradition of ‘dark folk magic’ of value to the research of both scholar and esoteric practitioner alike.
£750.00
Deluxe Edition, published by Atramentous Press in 2021, limited to 40 copies.
Goat leather, gold foil blocking to front, side, and back of cover, marbled endpapers, head and tail bands, slipcase.
Condition: Fine / As New.
The book situates the reader in relation to Qayin by leading one through a diverse range of adorations, that when realised impart the structure of an overall Rite. This book is witty, clever in its structure, and with swift of hand delivers a beauty to an impossible dilemma. Semple is a highly regarded author, artist, and leading expert on the life and times of Austin Osman Spare, being an initiate of Andrew Chumbley's legendary order Cultus Sabbati.