[ANON. – ‘An Oxonian’], Thaumaturgia, or Elucidations of the Marvellous (Edward Churton, London), 1835

Small 8vo; pp. vii, 362

Good condition: binding worn along one edge of the spine; internally very good, noting only some ink marks to the contents page

One of the most extensive 19th century collections of esoterica. This unusual and often amusing book collects an exceptional range of beliefs, practices, quotations and anecdotes on subjects as diverse as dreams, oracles, witchcraft, druids, astrology, divination, talismans, and demonology.

The identity of the author has evaded historical research. The title-page states that the author is ‘An Oxonian’ (the attribution sometimes made to Samuel Reynolds Hole is spurious). The nature of the work is also in question. As a reviewer in the Monthly Review pointed out, the tone is often satirical – but the extent of the research does surely show sympathy with ‘the Marvellous’. In later chapters the author shows how modern inventions and medical techniques have developed from illusions and daring experiments.

Scarce in commerce: no auction records since 1917. This copy is particularly pleasing: bound in contemporary coral coloured diced calf, with raised bands and gilt decoration and black label to the spine. All edges and endpapers marbled.