[ESOTERISM]. DE GUAITA ( Stanislas). The Key to Black Magic. - Lot 26

[ESOTERISM]. DE GUAITA ( Stanislas). The Key to Black Magic. [Les Sciences maudites]. Rare copy of the best part of the famous "Essai des Sciences Maudites" by "the greatest kabbalist of modern times" ( A. Maillard, 2022). Paris, Durville, 1920. One volume in-8 (230 x 153 mm). Semi-chagrin with corners, morocco spine with nerfs decorated with flowered caissons with gilt small irons, gilt head, covers preserved, without the spine. Margins untrimmed. (Contemporary binding). 847 pp. Leather slightly rubbed, tiny tear not missing from title leaf. New edition with black illustrations in and out of the text. Originally published by Chamuel in 1897, La Clef de la Magie Noire forms volume II of Le Serpent de la Genèse in Guaita's esoteric trilogy, preceded by Le Temple de Satan (vol. I, 1888) and followed by Le Problème du Mal (1897). This treatise explores the occult foundations of black magic and witchcraft, as well as the most complex aspects of esotericism. Stanislas de Guaita (1861-1897), mystical philosopher, symbolist poet and central figure of the Kabbalistic Order of the Rosicrucians, was one of the leading esoteric thinkers of his time. Provenance: handwritten ex-dono on title, unidentified. A fine copy preserved in its neat binding.