DEMONIALITY - First and Ltd Numbered Ed, 1927 - DEMONOLOGY, INCUBI, SUCCUBI

DEMONIALITY Book Details + Condition: The Fortune Press (London). First Edition thus, 1927. Original black boards with gilt titling (etc) to spine; 127 pages. Edition limited to 1290 numbered copies, the first 90 of which were on Arnold unbleached handmade paper, and bound in full vellum - an edition currently also available for sale in our store. The remaining copies, numbered 91-1290, were printed on Batchelor handmade paper, and bound in black buckram - which is this copy, numbered 190. PROVENANCE: From the massive occult collection of Dr. Alan Gauld (1932–2024), distinguished British psychologist, parapsychologist, and historian of psychical research based at the University of Nottingham. His library included significant works on mediumship, hypnotism, and the founders of psychical research, often marked with his ownership inscriptions or ex libris labels. He authored many respected works, including The Founders of Psychical Research (1968), Mediumship and Survival (1982), and A History of Hypnotism (1992). "De Dæmonialitate, et Incubis et Succubis" attempts to prove that spirits exist; the author differentiates these spirits from demons, to emphasize that they can be saved, and that consorting with them is not tantamount to Satanism. Much attention is given to the sexual congress between these spirits (Incubi and Succubi) and human beings. It was written by the famous Franciscan theologian Lodovico Maria Sinistrari (1622 -1701). Sinistrari was an advisor to the Supreme Sacred Congregation of the Roman and Universal Inquisition in Rome. He was considered an expert on exorcism and wrote of the effects (during exorcisms) of various plants, herbs and other substances. He was also considered an expert on demonology, sins relating to sexuality, and all combinations thereof, including investigations of those individuals accused of sexual relations with demons. Allegations along these lines became staples of later Inquisition investigations of those accused of witchcraft. The book was not published until 1875, after the heretical manuscript was discovered in a small London bookstore. The print run was very small and the book immediately rare, so Montague Summers brought out this new translation, with a thorough Introduction, under the Fortune Press imprint in 1927. The book quickly became the target of British censors, and in 1934 the work was prosecuted under the Obscene Publications Act. All copies were condemned and ordered to be destroyed. The number of copies destroyed remains unknown, but the book remains very scarce; more than its stated limitation suggests. Firm binding; lightly rubbed corners and edges; minor aging and shelf wear to boards, with a bit of rubbing; chafed spine ends; Gauld's ex libris and name to front endpapers; interior is clean and free of markings, save some of Gauld's notes to rear free endpaper (pencilled, which we kept due to provenance). All books are carefully packed, and shipped in boxes.