By Nicholas Aubin; Nicolas Aubin
London   W Turner
7.5" by 4.5" [8], 1-331, [5]pp
A vanishingly scarce first English translation of Nicolas Aubin's historical work on the Loudun Possessions in 1634.
By Nicholas Aubin; Nicolas Aubin

1703 The Cheats and Illusions of Romish Priests and Exorcists

London   W Turner
7.5" by 4.5" [8], 1-331, [5]pp
A vanishingly scarce first English translation of Nicolas Aubin's historical work on the Loudun Possessions in 1634.
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: 1kgs / : 789L27

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Description

First Edition

The first English translation of this work. The ESTC notes that this work was first published as 'Histoire' in 1693 and also appeared as 'Cruels effets de la vengeance du cardinal de Richeliece' in 1716. 

The Loudun possessions was a notorious Witchcraft trial which took plate in Loudon in 1634 whereby a convent of Ursuline nuns said they had been visited and possessed by demons. The Catholic church investigated their claims and their findings led to their accusation of Urbain Grandier of summoning evil spirits. He was convicted of sorcery and burned at the stake. 

The nuns claimed that the demon Admodai was sent to commit evil and impudent acts with them. The nuns' behaviour became extreme and they were shouting, swearing and barking. 

In this work on the Loudun events Nicolas Aubin, a pastor, states that Urban Grandier was innocent and his execution was a result of political grudges held by the powerful Cardinal de Richelieu and Father Joseph. 

ESTC reference no: T111685. 

A very scarce work, with the final ten leaves in need of professional restoration owing to water damage. 

This is a detailed eighteenth century account of this famous trial.

Condition

In a near contemporary calf binding. Externally, sound. Book has been water damaged, with the leather lifting from the boards. Front hinge is weak. Former owner's inscription to the recto of front endpaper and to the head of the title page. Internally, firmly bound. Pages are bright. Leaves from page 319 onwards are adhered together due to water damage, with some loss to the edge of pages. Professional restoration is required as these leaves are very delicate.

Fair

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