1830 First Edition bound by Wood - Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft by Scott
Author: Sir Walter Scott. George Cruikshank, illustrator.
Title: Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, addressed to J. G. Lockhart, Esq.
Publisher : London: John Murray, Albemarle Street, 1830. First Edition.
Language: Text in English.
Size: 6 " X 4 ".
Pages: ix-402 pages.
Binding: Attractive and fine binding, beautifully bound by Wood of London in striking full red morocco, elaborately gilt with thematic witchcraft motifs including crescent moons, broomsticks, witches, hats, cats, and devils. Gilt title to spine (hinges fine) under a protective removable mylar cover. Upper edge gilt. An extraordinary binding!
Content: Very good, near fine content (bright, tight, and clean, rare light foxing or staining - as shown, nice ex-libris of Doris Louise Benz on the first endpaper - as shown).
Illustrations: Beautifully illustrated with the frontispiece of the Bow in Edinburgh by Lizars after J. Skene and the wonderful 12 plates by George Cruikshank in THREE STATES (colored, uncolored, and India proofs), one of which is hand-colored, the other two states are black and white on a different support paper. 37 illustrations (frontis + (12*3)). A wonderful illustrated First Edition!
Estimate: (USD 4000 - 5000)
The book: A superbly bound and exceptionally illustrated First Edition of one of the most famous and influential explorations of supernatural belief in the 19th century. In Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, Sir Walter Scott addresses his son-in-law J. G. Lockhart in a series of essays examining popular superstitions, ghost stories, witch trials, and folklore, balancing skepticism with historical curiosity. The visual enhancement of Cruikshank’s lively illustrations, presented in triple state (a bibliophilic rarity), complements Scott’s blend of scholarship and storytelling, making this volume a collector’s gem.
The author: Sir Walter Scott (1771–1832) was a towering figure in 19th-century literature, credited with pioneering the historical novel. In addition to his celebrated fiction, Scott explored Scottish culture and history through essays and non-fiction works. Letters on Demonology and Witchcraft, written toward the end of his life, reflects his deep engagement with the supernatural as both a literary and cultural phenomenon, rooted in Enlightenment rationalism and antiquarian fascination.
The illustrator: George Cruikshank (1792–1878), one of the most celebrated illustrators of the Victorian era, was known for his distinctive, often grotesque style and biting satire. His contributions to this edition elevate the work to an artistic masterpiece, capturing both the humor and horror of its subject matter. The inclusion of his illustrations in three states—especially the hand-colored versions—provides an invaluable glimpse into the craft of 19th-century book illustration.