Art of the Grimoire

“If you’ve ever wondered what a page of the notorious ‘Key of Solomon’ or the sensational ‘Le Dragon Rouge’ (The Red Dragon) looked like, you’ll find examples of both here.”—Michael Dirda, Washington Post

“A richly illustrated study that ranges from ancient Greek and Egyptian papyri to Japanese encyclopaedias of demons.”—Apollo Magazine

“A beautiful production: a typographic and calligraphic treat as treasurable as a rare magical text itself. Almost every page is filled with wonder.”—Suzi Feay, The Spectator

“A tremendous volume with high production values and scholarship that will not disappoint.”—Chris Hill, Fortean Times

“If you don’t mind the odd hairy demon or the occasional bit of blood, you will be enchanted by this gorgeously illustrated history of magic books. . . . Beautifully designed, with more than 200 coloured illustrations lavishly printed on lovely thick matte pages, Art of the Grimoire is a intriguing cabinet of curiosities sure to charm the reader.”—Winnipeg Free Press

“This richly illustrated book by one of the foremost contemporary scholars of the history of witchcraft and the occult is an enchanting read. It is also meticulously researched and effectively explores the cultural and historical significance of magical texts as they intersect with religion, literature, science, colonialism, art, and culture.”—Peg Aloi, Arts Fuse, Recommended Books of 2023

“A magical book about magic books! . . . Davies’s impeccable research, engaging prose, and profound insights make Art of the Grimoire a must-read.”—Debbra Palmer, New York Journal of Books

“The book, itself a wondrous grimoire . . . gracefully balances generalization and specificity, resulting in a narrative that captures the nuances of the history of magic.”—W. Cole Younger, Middle Ground Journal

“This is simply the best illustrated history of magical texts yet written, covering the whole of history and of the planet with equal erudition.”—Ronald Hutton, Bristol University

“An utterly compelling and timely exploration of a neglected artistic tradition, with vast implications for our understanding of magic’s visual history and the role of material culture in shaping its transmission across the centuries.”—Bruce Holsinger, University of Virginia

“Through its innovative focus on magical texts and images, Art of the Grimoire presents an admirably global survey of the history of magic across space and time.”—Michael D. Bailey, Iowa State University