A Discovery of the Impostures of Witches and Astrologers
Authored by: Joyce Froom, John Brinley
Published by: Troy Books
First published in 1680, A Discovery of the Impostures of Witches and Astrologers by John Brinley is an important example and contemporary account of the establishment’s ideas, beliefs and debate surrounding the practices of witchcraft, magic and divination that lay behind the approved persecution of witches and other practitioners.
Revealed is an acceptance of the existence of witches, the reality of the Devil and the position of magic as deeply integral to everyday life, alongside a denial of the powers possessed by witches and the abilities claimed by magical practitioners such as the Cunning Folk. Belief in them is asserted to be the product of superstition, and the efficacy of their operations is attributed to the delusions and trickery of the Devil or the deceptions of the charlatan.
With kind permission of the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic, this edition, presented by Troy Books, is transcribed from an original copy held in the Museum’s research archive.
As closely as possible, the appearance and feel of the original text is carefully reproduced, alongside photo-plates of selected original pages for reference.
The present edition is issued with foreword by writer, researcher and assistant curator at the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic; Joyce Froome.
The book is presented in a similar size and format to the original book.
Bibliography
Paperback Edition
Original price: £10.00
Physical Description
Dimensions: 105mm x 148mm.
Page Count: 144 pages.
Binding
Binding: Gloss laminate cover.
Standard Hardback Edition
Original price: £16.99
Physical Description
Dimensions: 105mm x 148mm.
Page Count: 144 pages.
Illustrative Content: 4 pages B&W photo plates.
Binding
Binding: Bound in dark brown cloth with gold foil-blocking, fawn end papers and black head and tail bands. Sewn binding.
Paper: 80gsm white paper stock.
