Rare 1651 English Second Issue Edition of Scot's 'Discovery of Witchcraft'
SCOT or SCOTT, Reginald (1538?-1599) 'Discovery of Witchcraft: proving the common opinions of witches contacting with divels, spirits or familiars; and their power to kill, torment, and consume the bodies of men, women and children, or other creatures by disease or otherwise; their flying in the air and to be but imaginary, erronious conceptions and novelties'.
Pub. LONDON: Printed by Richard Cotes, 1651.
Collation: Title, [12] leaves, 401pp., [7] leaves. Notes: [Title, leafA, leaves, Ddd2, Ddd3, Ddd4, Eec, Eec2, Eec3, Eec4 all in photographic fascimile]. Carefully compiled with pages filled in.
Scot was a writer and MP for New Romsey 1588-89. He wrote the first treatise on hop culture (1574). His 'Discourse on Witchcraft' was first printed in 1584 with the intention of preventing the persecution of supposed witches. His book is hard to find in any condition for the early editions were largely burned by James I and later editions were literally thumbed out of existence.
Shakespeare drew from the 'Discoveries' hints for his picture of the witches in Macbeth.
Well-used copy. Some small hand written script throughout, tanning, spotting, marks etc. Advised to view this volume. Lacks copy of extra title page and epistle (noted in Russell's pencil script). Quarter leather with board, Impressed leather spine with gold leaf title, Bound by Green, Melbourne in quarter leather binding. Manuscript notes on flyleaf. Reference: ESTC R229810. Bookplate: Ex Libris Anatomica K.F. Russell; Foyles Book Sellers of London book tag (180x140mm)



PROVENANCE:
Collection Late Kenneth F. Russell (1911-1987), Professor of Anatomy and Medical History, University of Melbourne.

Estimate $6,000-8,000