Archive Notes

L. W. de Laurence • Fourteenth Edition • Chicago 
The Great Book of Magical Art, Hindu Magic and East Indian Occultism, combines several earlier works into a single monumental volume of more than 630 pages. Although the title emphasizes "Hindu Magic," the contents draw primarily from Western ceremonial magic, Agrippa, Barrett's The Magus, Kabbalistic traditions, talismanic practices, and Renaissance occult philosophy. Working out of Chicago, de Laurence built one of the world's first mail-order occult publishing empires. His illustrated books blended ceremonial magic, Kabbalah, talismanic traditions, folk magic, alchemy, astrology, and esoteric symbolism into volumes that promised hidden knowledge to anyone willing to learn. Many of his publications borrowed heavily from earlier European grimoires and became some of the most influential occult books of the twentieth century.

The dark color of this copy is incredible. The contents are also incredible; “Magic and Sorcery: Dreams and Visions,” “Astral Influence,” and “Vampirism, Witch Craft and Black Art, Their Dangers and How to Avoid Them.” Illustrations range from mystical diagrams and magical alphabets to spirits, planetary beings and theatrical visions of the afterlife.

De Laurence catalogs circulated throughout North America, the Caribbean, West Africa, and South America. His books became especially influential among practitioners of Hoodoo, Spiritualism, and various Afro-Caribbean traditions where they were treated as practical manuals.

Details

• Author: L.W. de Laurence 
• Title: The Great Book of Magical Art, Hindu Magic and East Indian Occultism and The Book of Secret Hindu, Ceremonial, and Talismanic Magic
• Origin: Chicago, Illinois, USA
• Publisher: The de Laurence Company, Inc.
• Date: 1939 
• Edition: Fourteenth Edition
• Material: Dark brown/maroon hardcover with gilt decoration and lettering
• Dimensions: Approximately 8 × 11 in. 
• Condition: Good vintage condition with some exterior wear. Some losses and surface marks throughout. Interior shows age toning, scattered foxing/spotting. Please review all photographs closely.