Chaldean Magic: Its Origin and Development by François Lenormant

On the magical practices, religious systems, and mythology of the Chaldeans of ancient Assyria. An invaluable source of comparative mythology, demonology and ancient magical traditions.

Magical devotions to the planetary spirits were the cornerstone of Chaldean rites... continuously sought magical empowerment through divine or demonic assistance’

This work is based on the translation of a tablet found by Austen Henry Layard in the Library of the Royal Palace at Nineveh, inscribed with 28 incantations against evil spirits, the effects of sorcery, and disease.  Lenormant also explores the mythology of the Underworld, origins of Chaldean and Babylonian cosmogonies, the influence of Chaldean magic on the Persian tradition and the development of Zoroastrianism.

London: Samuel Bagster & sons, 1888. First English edition. Octavo. 414pp plus index. With Considerable Additions by the Author, and Notes by the Editor. Originally published in French as Magie Chez les Chadeens, 1874. Edited, and with a preface by William Rickets Cooper, a founder of Bagster and Secretary to the Society of Biblical Archaeology. Publishers original deep-emerald cloth, demon centre-piece tooled in black, gilt title and symbols to spine. Previous owner’s signature to the title page, corners rubbed, slight marks to cloth, minor internal foxing, foxing to page edges, text clean. An attractive example of a scarce title.