INSTITORIS, Henricus (c.1430-1505) and Jacobus SPRENGER (c.1436/8-1495). Malleus maleficarum. Nuremberg: Anton Koberger, 17 January 1496.

Sixth edition of an early comprehensive work on witchcraft and demonology. The first two sections give a detailed description of the lore and practices of witches and demons, while the third section specifies detailed procedures for conducting witchcraft inquisitions and trials. The work served as a catalyst for witchcraft hysteria and prosecution and became the standard work on its subject. It was reprinted frequently up to the 17th century. H 9246*; Klebs 926.6; BMC II, 441; BSB-Ink I-229; Goff I-168; ISTC ii00168000.

Chancery quarto (203 x 145mm). 159 (of 160, without final blank) leaves. Printed guide-letters (lightly toned, faint soiling on first lower corner). 19th-century leather-backed and -cornered pastepaper boards, flat spine lettered in gilt, red edges (a few minor scuffs). Provenance: occasional marginal annotation – A. Valsecchi (19th-century bibliographical citation on flyleaf).

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