The Salem witch trials, which occurred in colonial Massachusetts in the late 17th century, were a dark period in American history. During this time, the town of Salem was plagued by accusations of witchcraft and supernatural occurrences. Many women were accused of being witches and practicing the black arts. One of the most prominent figures in these accusations was Tituba, a slave from the Caribbean. Although she had a limited role in the actual trials, Tituba is often remembered as the witch of the black arts in Salem. Tituba was brought to Salem by her owner, Reverend Samuel Parris, who was the local minister.
“Inner Traditions has done justice to this text. It is published in a three volume slipcase edition, which, though expensive, is handsomely executed. I believe that anyone with a deep interest in the Western occult tradition will want to own it.”
— Richard Smoley, Quest
One of the most important texts in the Western magical tradition for nearly 500 years, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa s 1533 work Three Books of Occult Philosophy collates a multitude of sources from the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods and organizes them into a coherent explanation of the magical world. If the Moon is unfortunate and carved in lead, and buried in some place, it makes that place, its inhabitants, visitors, ships, springs, rivers, and mills unfortunate.
Tituba was brought to Salem by her owner, Reverend Samuel Parris, who was the local minister. She was known for her knowledge of voodoo and folk magic, which made her an easy target for accusations when the mysterious afflictions and fits started occurring in the community. In an attempt to rid themselves of the supposed evil, the townspeople began pointing fingers at Tituba and others they suspected of being witches.
Three books on occultism by Agrippa
The first new and complete English translation of Agrippa’s classic masterwork in more than 350 years
• Three hardcover volumes in slipcase
• Corrects the many mistranslations, copyist mistakes, and errors introduced from other editions, drawing on new research and access to Agrippa’s source texts
• Restores all of Agrippa’s original illustrations
• Presents a nearly complete bibliography of Agrippa’s primary sources
One of the most important texts in the Western magical tradition for nearly 500 years, Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa’s 1533 work Three Books of Occult Philosophy collates a multitude of sources from the Classical, Medieval, and Renaissance periods and organizes them into a coherent explanation of the magical world. Divided into three parts--the natural world, the celestial world, and the divine world--the book systematically explains the philosophy, logic, and methods of magic and astrology and how they work.
The basis for 19th-century magical orders such as the Golden Dawn and a primary source for countless books on magical uses of stones, herbs, incense, and astrology, Agrippa’s many lists and diagrams have proven invaluable to magicians since the 16th century. Yet, until now, all English editions of Agrippa’s Three Books were based on the same flawed 1651 translation from the mysterious “J.F.”
In this new translation from the original 1533 Latin edition, Eric Purdue corrects the many mistranslations, copyist mistakes, and errors introduced from other editions as well as restores all of Agrippa’s original illustrations. Purdue notates every correction and offers commentary, drawing on major developments in the research of older magical and astrological texts. He also presents a nearly complete bibliography of Agrippa’s primary sources, revealing Agrippa as a mainstream scholar of his day.
Presenting the first new English translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy in more than 350 years, this three-volume hardcover boxed set repairs the gaps in knowledge pervasive in the original translation and restores the magical spirit of Agrippa’s masterpiece, allowing us to hear Agrippa speak again.
About the Author
Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa von Nettesheim (1486-1535) was a German polymath, physician, legal scholar, soldier, theologian, and occult writer. Entering the University of Cologne at the age of 13, he graduated with a Master of Arts at 16 and went on to study with abbot Johannes Trithemius, famous as the teacher of Paracelsus. Acclaimed for his lectures on Reuchlin and the Corpus Hermeticum at universities across Europe, Agrippa acted as archivist for the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V. Defying accusations of heresy and scrutiny by the Inquisition of Cologne, he published the final version of Three Books of Occult Philosophy two years before his death. Agrippa is considered one of the most influential occultists of the early modern period.
Eric Purdue has studied metaphysics and the occult and has practiced magic and astrology for more than thirty years, with a particular focus on practical folk and astrological magic. Through his lectures and writings on traditional astrology and talismanic magic, he has been a notable voice on the subjects of medieval astrology, traditional magical systems, and the legacy of Heinrich Cornelius Agrippa. His new translation of Three Books of Occult Philosophy was more than 10 years in the making.
Praise For…
“Eric Purdue’s fine new translation of H. C. Agrippa’s Three Books of Occult Philosophy is a landmark edition of this essential work. Unquestionably the most comprehensive work of the European esoteric sciences, this timely new publication of this encyclopedic masterwork is accompanied by illustrations restored from the original as well as the translator’s erudite notes, sources, and references. Agrippa’s works are fundamental to the study of all branches and aspects of the tradition, and no esoteric book collection should be without this outstanding edition.”
— Nigel Pennick, founder of the Institute of Geomantic Research and the Library of the European Tradit
“Anyone interested in the roots and branches of modern magic has repeatedly heard of the works of Agrippa. Here in these beautiful volumes we have not only an aesthetically pleasing edition, but one that has paid close attention to the technical and linguistic details as never before. They will make for better historians and practical practitioners for those who wish to undertake experiments in the bold art of magic.”
— Stephen E. Flowers, author of The Fraternitas Saturni
“Inner Traditions has done justice to this text. It is published in a three volume slipcase edition, which, though expensive, is handsomely executed. I believe that anyone with a deep interest in the Western occult tradition will want to own it.”
— Richard Smoley, Quest
- Body, Mind & Spirit / Hermetism & Rosicrucianism
- Social Science / Freemasonry & Secret Societies
- Self-help / Personal Growth / Success
- Kobo eBook (November 23rd, 2021): $99.00
- Paperback (December 1st, 2007): $28.99
- Hardcover (December 1st, 2007): $37.99
- Hardcover (June 23rd, 2019): $31.97
- Paperback (June 23rd, 2019): $14.89
- Paperback (March 14th, 2011): $33.24
• Restores all of Agrippa’s original illustrations
The accusations against Tituba grew more intense as the trials progressed. She was arrested and held in jail for months, enduring harsh conditions and constant interrogation. During her trial, Tituba was coerced into confessing to being a witch and practicing the black arts. She described her encounters with the devil and the various acts of witchcraft she had supposedly performed. But beyond the accusations and confessions, Tituba's role as the witch of the black arts in Salem reveals much about the underlying fears and prejudices of the time. She was a foreigner, a woman of color, and a slave, all factors that made her an easy target for scapegoating. By labeling her as the embodiment of evil, the people of Salem were able to deflect their own anxieties and maintain their sense of moral superiority. Unfortunately, the witch trials did not end well for Tituba. She was eventually released from jail but disappeared from historical records, her fate unknown. However, her legacy lives on in the stories of the Salem witch trials. Today, Tituba is remembered as a tragic figure, caught up in the hysteria and ignorance of a community gripped by fear. Her story serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of prejudice and unchecked accusations, and the devastating consequences they can have on innocent lives..
Reviews for "Unmasking the Witch of Salem: Diabolical or Misunderstood?"
1. John Smith - 1 star - I was extremely disappointed with "Witch of the Black Arts in Salem." The storyline was incredibly predictable, and I found myself losing interest within the first few chapters. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any depth or development. The author's writing style was also lackluster and failed to captivate my attention. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone looking for an engaging or well-written story.
2. Emily Johnson - 2 stars - "Witch of the Black Arts in Salem" failed to meet my expectations. The plot was unoriginal, and it felt like a watered-down version of other witch-themed novels I have read. The dialogue was often cheesy and unrealistic, making it difficult for me to connect with the characters or believe in the story. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with long stretches of boredom followed by rushed and confusing moments. I had high hopes for this book, but sadly, it fell flat for me.
3. Samantha Davis - 2.5 stars - While "Witch of the Black Arts in Salem" had an intriguing premise, it ultimately failed to deliver. The writing felt amateurish, with clunky sentences and repetitive phrases. The characters lacked depth, and their actions and motivations often felt forced and unbelievable. The romance subplot felt forced and unnecessary, distracting from the main plot. Overall, I found this book to be mediocre at best, and I would not recommend it to others who are seeking a well-crafted and engaging witch-themed novel.