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This book represents a praiseworthy undertaking most successfully carried out. Its object is to offer, not, of course, an inclusive collection, but a representative selection of mediæval illustrations on the themes indicated in the title. It is, in fact, a superb iconography of the subjects in question. The author, evidently an enthusiast with a large private collection, has ransacked the mediæval sources, has omitted the more banal and familiar examples, and has exercised a rare discretion in choosing his topics from a vast material.
The ground covered is divided into three books: I. 'Witches', including the topics of demonomania and necromancy; philtres and death-spells are also considered. II. 'Magicians', extending from Jewish Cabbalists to modern cheiromantics, clairvoyants and water diviners. III. 'Alchemists', including both the secret doctrine and laboratory methods.
The text is very well written and translated. The author has wisely confined it mainly to a description of his illustrations, adding only what is necessary by way of an introduction to the subject matter of each chapter. Both he and his publishers are to be congratulated on an excellent piece of work.