(WITCHCRAFT). WIER, Johann. NETHERCUT, William R. (Translator). Concerning the Deceptive Tricks of Demons, Enchantments and Works in Poisoning.

English Translation of a Classic Skeptical Account of Witchcraft

(WITCHCRAFT). WIER, Johann. NETHERCUT, William R. (Translator). Concerning the Deceptive Tricks of Demons, Enchantments and Works in Poisoning. (New York: Psychoanalytic Clinic for Training and Research, 1964) [xix], 413, [63] pp. (280 x 220 mm.)  Mimeograph copy bound with metal clip, blue textured paper lower wrapper (lacking upper wrapper). Wear to wrapper, first leaf loosening, light bump to one corner. Very good condition.

A complete translation into English of Johann Weir's "De praestigiis daemonum," a highly influential work arguing against the existence of witchcraft, positing that affected individuals were suffering from delusions.

First published in Basel in 1563, "De praestigiis daemonum" went through several Latin editions and was translated into French and German during the author's lifetime. The present translation was undertaken in the 20^th century by Classics professor William R. Nethercut, and predates John Shea's translation, which was published in 1991 as "Witches, devils, and doctors in the Renaissance" and credited as the first English translation. Strangely, there is no mention of Nethercut in Shea's work (despite both projects being connected to Columbia University), and we were unable to trace any other copy of Nethercut's translation on OCLC. (C1131)