FIRST EDITION thus, [xii], 207, [1]pp., Roman and Italic type, black-ruled title enclosing a Mannerist emblem of the Jesuits, woodcut initials, 19th c parchment over marbled boards, upper-cover with numbered label, uncut, later endpapers, 4to, Cologne, Ex Officinia Mater, 1598
“…the first ‘scientific’ (i.e. systematic) research on modern exorcism.” (Lederer, 2006, p.13)
Second, enlarged edition of this pioneering treatise which seeks to provide a systemic, theological analysis of demonic possession, exorcism, and the symptoms of demonic influence.
The Protestant Reformation and the Counter-Reformation of the sixteenth century caused a complex cultural and psychological shift, resulting in many aspects of Catholic theology and practice being reconsidered. Despite not being central to the main theological and ecclesiastical disputes there was an effort to define possession and exorcism. The Daemoniaci is a fascinating example of these early efforts. It is said to be the first systematic attempt to define demonic possession and exorcism.
In 1594, Jesuit theologian Petrus Thyraeus wrote Daemoniaci in order to revise common beliefs about demonic possession and in the post-Reformation world. In this work Thyraeus sought to ensure people suffering from demonic possession received an exorcism, but those suffering from other spiritual or physical problems sought help elsewhere. He includes a list of demonic symptoms, but also states what aren’t symptoms like having an unpleasant temperament. Thyraeus also enquires into the nature of demonic possession, its signs, how it occurs, whether witches, magicians, diviners, or heretics are possessed (usually not) whether the Church should be sought to exorcise them (he believed not); finally, he asks whether demons should be allowed to come out of a person if they so desire, and concludes that they should but only if such action is done to the glory of God.
[BOUND WITH]
THYRAEUS, PETER
Loca infesta: hoc est, de infestis, ob molestantes daemoniorum et defunctorum hominum spritus, locis, liber unus,
FIRST EDITION, [xvi], 352pp,Roman and Italic type, black-ruled title-page enclosing a Mannerist emblem of the Jesuits, woodcut initials, occasional light toning, 4to, Cologne: ex officina Mater. Cholini, sumptibus Gosuini Cholini, 1598
First edition of Loca infesta, a work on localities haunted by demons and spirits of the departed.
“Loca Infesta” or “On Infested Places,” discusses haunted houses and places in relation to how to handle them. Thyraeus’ work is a manual for priests showing them how to exorcise and reclaim a place for Christ when they encounter houses or buildings that are haunted by spirits. Commissioned by the Catholic Archdiocese of Pittsburg, and overseen by the chief exorcist of the Vatican, the work was spurred by a rising need for priests and ministers to be knowledgeable on exorcisms and demons.
Provenance:
Title with two indistinct manuscript ownership inscriptions of the same owner or family, probably French, dated 1639 & 1648.
Michel Chasles (1793-1880), French Mathematician; his bookplate.
Dr. Alan Gauld (1932-2024), parapsychologist and historian of psychical research, formerly of the University of Nottingham; his ex libris label and ownership inscription.
[BM STC Ger. C16th. p. 862; Adams T697; Caillet 10687; Thorndike VII 368-9; DeBacker/Sommervogel VIII 15:15; Lederer, 2006]
