![BEKKER, Balthazar (1634-1698). The World Bewitch’d; or, An Examination of the Common Opinions Concerning Spirits. Volume I [all published]. London: for R. Baldwin.](https://www.christies.com/img/LotImages/2015/CKS/2015_CKS_12114_0209_000(bekker_balthazar_the_world_bewitchd_or_an_examination_of_the_common_op061330).jpg?w=1)
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BEKKER, Balthazar (1634-1698). The World Bewitch’d; or, An Examination of the Common Opinions Concerning Spirits. Volume I [all published]. London: for R. Baldwin.
12° (160 x 92mm). (Without initial blank, occasional light soiling and spotting.) 20th-century burgundy half morocco, spine lettered in gilt, top edge black.
FIRST EDITION in English of one of the most controversial works of the early Enlightenment: Bekker’s rationalist debunking of popular superstitions about the spirit world and the devil’s role in human affairs, which helped bring an end to the witchcraft trials in Europe and eventually free natural philosophy from the influence of Scripture. Bekker was tried for blasphemy and atheism, and his book banned in parts of the Netherlands. Rare: ABPC and RBH record just one complete copy at auction in the past forty years. It was first published in Amsterdam between 1691 and 1693. Israel, The Dutch Republic, pp. 925-930; Thorndike VIII, 583; Wing B-1781; cf. Bibliotheca Esoterica 267; cf. Caillet I, 131.
12° (160 x 92mm). (Without initial blank, occasional light soiling and spotting.) 20th-century burgundy half morocco, spine lettered in gilt, top edge black.
FIRST EDITION in English of one of the most controversial works of the early Enlightenment: Bekker’s rationalist debunking of popular superstitions about the spirit world and the devil’s role in human affairs, which helped bring an end to the witchcraft trials in Europe and eventually free natural philosophy from the influence of Scripture. Bekker was tried for blasphemy and atheism, and his book banned in parts of the Netherlands. Rare: ABPC and RBH record just one complete copy at auction in the past forty years. It was first published in Amsterdam between 1691 and 1693. Israel, The Dutch Republic, pp. 925-930; Thorndike VIII, 583; Wing B-1781; cf. Bibliotheca Esoterica 267; cf. Caillet I, 131.
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